Intra-operative Patella-femoral Resurfacing Kinematics

20% of patients suffering anterior knee pain are linked to abnormal patella-femoral kinematics. Eventum Orthopaedics Ltd., a Yorkshire based medical SME, has developed novel patella alignment sensing technology to aid intra-operative planning and surgical execution. They wish to partner with the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE) at the University of Leeds to help better understand the patella-femoral kinematics in relation to their device and in developing informed evidence-based pre-clinical testing strategies. With the worlds largest independent facilities for pre-clinical testing of joint replacements, the School of Mechanical Engineering and the supervision team offer excellent support / opportunity to be involved in the development of a novel orthopaedic medical device.

<p>The patella acts as a fulcrum for the extensor mechanism (EM) of the knee. When people rise from sitting, the effectiveness of the EM is directly linked to the position of this fulcrum relative to the contact centre / kinematic axis of the knee. Knee arthritis, a common problem typically affects all parts of the knee and is treated by a knee replacement (KR). In KR, the degraded bony surfaces are removed and replaced by a metal components and polymer bearing with careful ligament balancing. However, the joint surfaces and the leg are commonly deformed pre-operatively and the reconstruction of a corrected anatomical axes is often problematic. Whilst the KR may be optimally re-aligned, the original (pre-disease) alignment of the Extensor Mechanism can be lost.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Aims: To gain a better understanding of intra-operative patella femoral kinematics.<br /> Objectives: To investigate / evaluate the influence of alignment on the functional (clinical and bio-mechanical) requirements for novel patella resurfacing technologies.<br /> Methods: The student will use a mixture of computational and experimental biomechanics along with in-vitro laboratory simulation.&nbsp;</p> <p>Outcomes: The student will be encouraged to publish their findings extensively at conferences and in peer reviewed Journals to reach the greatest impact from their work.</p> <p>Support: &nbsp;Additional clinical support is available from the Leeds Bionedical Research Centre. &nbsp;Additionally, the institute of medical and biological engineering host the worlds largest independant research facilities for pre-clinical testing of joint replacement.&nbsp;</p> <p>The University of Leeds offers significant professional development training to complement postgraduate researchers skills. &nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10124/during_your_research/755/postgraduate_research_and_training">https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10124/during_your_research/755/postgraduate_research_and_training</a></p> <p>Links to organisations supporting the project:</p> <p><a href="https://eventumortho.com">https://eventumortho.com</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.imbe.leeds.ac.uk">https://www.imbe.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p><a href="https://leedsbrc.nihr.ac.uk">https://leedsbrc.nihr.ac.uk</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Mechanical Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Intra-operative Patella-femoral Resurfacing Kinematics</strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/165/dr-todd-stewart">Professor Todd Stewart</a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/207/dr-louise-m-jennings">Dr Louise Jennings</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/667/professor-hemant-pandit">Professor Hemant Pandit</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisors.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 31 March 2023:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information &ndash;&nbsp;EPSRC DTP</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship in collaboration with Eventum Orthopaedics consisting of the award of fees with a maintenance grant (currently &pound;17,668 in academic session 2022/23) per year for 3.5 years.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Todd Stewart, room 242 Mechanical Engineering, The University of Leeds.&nbsp; e: <a href="mailto:T.D.Stewart@leeds.ac.uk">T.D.Stewart@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>,&nbsp;</p>