Integrating Morphology and Biomechanics: Developing a Statistical Shape and Appearance Model (SSAM) for Spinal Health Assessment and Intervention Plan

Back pain, the leading cause of disability in the UK, is often due to intervertebral disc degeneration. Surgical interventions, including fixation devices, frequently fail due to a lack of consideration for patient-specific variability in vertebral shape, spinal curvature, and bone density. This research will investigate the relationship between vertebral geometry, bone properties, and their impact on fixation device efficacy. Utilising advanced imaging techniques like μCT and MRI, the project aims to develop a statistical shape and appearance model (SSAM) to capture vertebral variation. This model will enhance understanding of spinal biomechanics, enabling optimisation of spinal devices for improved patient outcomes.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Project Aims:</strong></p> <p>This project builds on prior work incorporating bone density variability within statistical shape and appearance models (SSAM) derived from CT imaging, in a workflow integrating imaging, SSAM, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The primary aim of this PhD is to extend this framework to evaluate surgical interventions. Key objectives include:</p> <p>•            Developing SSAM methods to represent specific spinal vertebral structures.</p> <p>•            Analysing spinal datasets for vertebral variation, including a unique high resolution image dataset acquired by the supervisors previously.</p> <p>•            Assessing the influence of key shape and appearance variation on the biomechanics of intervertebral repairs such as spinal cages</p> <p>•            Advancing techniques for enhanced preclinical testing and surgical planning.</p> <p><strong>Potential Impact</strong></p> <p>The immediate impact of this PhD revolves around pioneering statistical shape models that both describe multiple vertebral levels in terms of shape, translation, and bone density. Longer-term, in collaboration with industry, such as Axis Spine Technologies, these refined models promise to improve surgical planning and preclinical testing tools across the spinal domain. Making the most of our own open dataset and other data sets, this project leverages the potential of open research. This PhD will provide essential preliminary data for future grant applications led by Day, in particular a NIA application on enabling personalised spinal surgery through computational modelling.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Integrating Morphology and Biomechanics: Developing a Statistical Shape and Appearance Model (SSAM) for Spinal Health Assessment and Intervention Plan</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-research-medical-biological-engineering/staff/6435/dr-gavin-day">Dr Gavin Day</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><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>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  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 Friday 31 January 2025:</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> </ul>

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 class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not </strong></em>cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Gavin Day by email to <a href="mailto:G.Day1@leeds.ac.uk">G.Day1@leeds.ac.uk</a><br /> For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>