Here are some suggested PhD projects which you may wish to consider when applying to join as a postgraduate research student. This list is not exhaustive and other projects may be available.

Novel lubricants for wear testing artificial joint materials

Laboratory wear tests have a vital role to play in our understanding of the wear processes affecting the biomaterials used in replacement joints. This project will investigate potential lubricants to replace dilute bovine serum in wear tests of orthopaedic biopolymers and continue exciting research in this area.

Supervisor: Professor Tom Joyce

Development of bioceramics for hard tissue applications

Bioceramics materials in different forms (scaffolds, composites, cements or coatings) can be used as implants for hard tissue applications due to their similarity to teeth and bones. The project will focus on fabrication, characterisation and optimization of the physical, chemical, mechanical and biological properties, in order to obtain a good integration with living tissues.

Supervisor: Dr Oana Bretcanu

Mechanics of synthetic biomaterials and biological materials

Mechanics of biomaterials are important in determining their long-term clinical success. In these projects, a combined experimental and modelling approach will be used to study the mechanics of biomaterials for bone and cartilage tissue engineering, in order to inform optimised scaffold materials design.

Supervisor: Dr Jinju Chen

Tribology, corrosion, orthopaedics and biomechanics

Prospective PhD candidates may wish to communicate their interest in the areas of bio-tribology; orthopaedic implant corrosion; orthopaedic design; cell and surface engineered interface characterisation; motion caption in biomechanics; forensic engineering or an idea of their own.

Supervisor: Dr Philip Hyde

Other projects

Projects are also available in:

• biomaterials for tissue engineering
• bioceramics for bone replacement
• magnetic bioceramics for hyperthermia
• additive manufacturing for medical applications
• 3D printing of biomaterials
• analysis of failed metal-on-metal hip prostheses – preventing future failures
• the biotribology of orthopaedic biopolymers
• better than bovine blood – superior lubricants for wear testing biomaterials
• biomimicry – learning from the joints of insects for engineering applications
• quantifying the damage to human cells from metallic wear debris
• How does a patient’s synovial fluid influence the performance of an artificial joint implanted into them?
• computational modelling of artificial hip joint performance – reverse engineering based on patient-specific explant analysis
• surface processing for control of biological reactions at biomedical device surfaces
• tissue engineering: scaffolds
• biomimetic design of biomedical devices
• novel bioreactor for osteochondral tissue engineering

Mechanics of mineralized matrix

Expected date: April 2017

Student: Pengfei Duan

Supervisors: Dr Jinju Chen, Dr M Birch, Prof S J Bull

A study of explanted knee replacement prostheses

The project is focused on a thorough investigation into the failure modes of total knee replacements in order to help support future developments in prosthesis design and surgical techniques and treatments. The PhD involves taking failed knee prostheses and examining them to understand how and why they have failed and how they can therefore be improved.

Expected date: January 2017

Student: Emma Kennard

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce, Dr S Scholes

How does exercise affect the intervertebral disc?

The project has two main areas of focus. The first is looking at how cells from the intervertebral disc react to shear flow. The second is looking at how the intervertebral disc tissue reacts to flexion and extension movements. The findings will aim to give further insight into which exercises are more beneficial for intervertebral disc health.

Expected date: January 2017

Student: Cate Wilson

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce, Dr M Birch

Novel load-bearing and bioactive bioceramics for regenerative medicine

The main aim of the PhD project is the development of a load-bearing, bioactive and resorbable bioceramic scaffold, using new SiO2-based (silicate), B2O3-based (borate), and P2O5-based (phosphate) glasses with complex compositions, for orthopaedic and maxillofacial applications.

Expected date: September 2015

Student: Elena Mancuso

Supervisors: Prof K Dalgarno, Dr O Bretcanu, Dr M Birch

Material loss from failed metal-on-metal hip prostheses

There are growing concerns regarding the increasing incidence of failures in metal-on-metal hip replacements with clear differences between failure rates of total hip replacements over their resurfacing counterparts. Understanding the material loss is of vital importance in building evidence to help monitoring and preventing further disability in these patients.

Expected date: September 2014

Student: Raghavendra Prasad Sidaginamale

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce, Dr S Scholes (external supervisors: Dr D Langton, Mr A Nargol and Dr S Natu)

Understanding failures of retrieved artificial metal-on-metal hip prostheses

Analysis focuses on failed metal-on-metal hip replacements retrieved from local hospitals examining the surfaces to determine the amount of wear that they have experienced. This will then help identify the mode of failure and help improve future designs of artificial joints.

Expected date: April 2014

Student: Martin Bone

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce, Dr S Scholes

Predicting leg soundness through biomechanical assessment of gait in pigs

Lameness is a major cause of lost productivity for the pig industry. The objective of this PhD was to develop an objective motion capture method (gait analysis) for growing pigs. Kinematic gait parameters, such as temporal (time), linear (displacement) and angular (joint angles) parameters were calculated. Gait analysis offers potential for automated prediction and early detection of lameness.

Expected date: March 2014

Student: Sophia Stavrakakis

Supervisors: Dr J Guy, Prof S Edwards, Prof G Johnson

Knee joint kinematics associated with osteoarthritis in an older cohort

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that affects roughly one third of adults over the age of 60. Walking kinematics play a key role in OA incidence. A gait analysis protocol suitable for a clinical environment was developed to analyse the Newcastle Thousand Families Study birth cohort over a period of 16months. A model of “normal” and “osteoarthritic” walking was established.

Student: Richard Morris

Supervisors: Dr S Lawson, Dr D Swailes, Dr M Pearce

Date awarded PhD: May 2013

Metal debris release from metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty: mechanism, quantification and clinical effects

Student: Dave Langton

Supervisor: Prof T Joyce

Date awarded PhD: May 2013

Improving the metal-on-metal hip prosthesis — a study of wear

Metal-on-metal (mom) hip replacements failures result from complications arising from wear debris. Accurately quantifying wear has proved difficult. Using a co-ordinate measuring machine, a method for measuring the volumetric wear of ex-vivo mom hip prostheses was developed and validated. Recommendations were made for optimising future designs of hip prosthesis to minimise wear.

Student: James Lord

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce, Dr C Liu

Date awarded PhD: October 2012

Forces applied and space required relationship for four caster vehicle manoeuvres

Four-caster manually manoeuvred vehicles have many functions including transporting assisted wheelchair users indoors to carry out essential daily living activities such as showering. This project examines the relationship between the applied forces and the space required during manoeuvres. The objective is to inform architectural design so that manoeuvring forces are minimised.

Student: Brian Abraham

Supervisor: Prof G Johnson

Date awarded PhD: August 2012

Kinematic and anatomical measurement for biomechanical finger models

Biomechanical models of the fingers are used to gain a greater understanding of their internal loading which will help guide clinicians treat injuries and pathologies. The aim of this PhD was to gain a greater understanding of the predicted internal loading using biomechanical finger models and propose improvements in the kinematic and anatomical measurements required as their inputs.

Student: Oliver Warlow

Supervisors: Dr J Hedley, Dr S Lawson

Date awarded PhD: May 2012

The effect of tendon stiffness on the development and degeneration of locomotion in the sport horse

Injury to the flexor tendon is unfortunately a common cause of retirement of the sport horse, leading to concerns for equine welfare and economic loss. Stiffness in the flexor tendons changes throughout the horse’s life. Tracking horse’s joint angles from youth towards old age can identify the characteristic changes of the tendon and prevent severe injury.

Student: Pauline Addis

Supervisors: Dr S Lawson, Prof T Joyce, Prof G Johnson

Date awarded PhD: February 2012

Arthroplasty of the shoulder: a modelling-based approach to the design, development and testing of an implant range

Student: Ian Flatters

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce

Date awarded PhD: March 2011

Perception of musculo-skeletal size information from motion for visual effects applications in two and three-dimensions

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the ability of human observers to obtain musculo-skeletal size related information from kinematics, investigating its ability and usability from a visual form. Modified natural walking motions were applied to graphic design characters represented on a 2D display and in a 3D Virtual Environment.

Student: Pierfrancesco Celada

Supervisors: Dr S Lawson, Prof P Olivier (Computing)

Date awarded PhD: June 2010

Muscle wrapping techniques applied to a model of the shoulder

Student: Stuart Marsden

Supervisors: Prof G Johnson, Dr D Swailes

Date awarded PhD: April 2010

Preclinical testing and patient specific implantation/design of shoulder prosthesis

Student: Milad Masjedi

Supervisors: Prof G Johnson, Dr S Lawson

Date awarded PhD: January 2010

Biomechanical analysis of stretch reflex responses: an approach to spasticity measurement

Student: Jose Salazar-Torres

Supervisors: Prof T Joyce

Date awarded PhD: February 2005

Publication	Year
Intra-operator repeatability of skin marker derived segment measures and gait kinematics in pigs - Stavrakakis, S., Guy, J.H., Warlow, O., Johnson, G.R. and Edwards S.A., Biosystems Engineering, in press.	in press
Longitudinal gait development and variability of growing pigs reared on three different floor types - Stavrakakis S, Guy JH, Warlow OME, Johnson GR, Edwards SA., Animal, in press.	in press
Does spasticity result from hyperactive stretch reflexes? Preliminary findings from a stretch reflex characterisation study - Salazar-Torres, JdeJ., Pandyan AD, Price CIM, Davidson, R.I. Barnes, M.P., Johnson, G.R., Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation, 2004, 17, 26(12), 756-60	2004
Biomechanical approaches to the lower and upper limb for the measurement of spasticity: A systematic review of the literature - Wood, D.E., Burridge, J.H., van Wijck, F., McFadden, C., Hitchcock, R.A., Pandyan, A.D., Haugh, A., Salazar-Torres, J.J., Swain, I.D., Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation, 2005, 27(1/2): 19-32	2005
A review of the Tardieu Scale for the measurement of spasticity - Haugh, A., Johnson, G.R., Pandyan, A.D., Journal of Disability & Rehabilitation, 2006, 28 , 899-907	2006
Constrained Outlines - a method for creating access guidelines for individual wheelchair users - Abraham, B., Johnson, G.R., British Journal Occupational Therapy, 2006, 69, 379-385	2006
Multivariate analysis of the Fugl-Meyer outcome measures assessing the effectiveness of GENTLE/S robot-mediated stroke therapy - Amirabdollahian, F., Loureiro, R., Gradwell, E., Collin, C., Harwin, W., Johnson, G.R., JNER, 2007, 4:4	2007
Algorithms for exact multi-object muscle wrapping and application to the deltoid muscle wrapping around the humerus - Marsden, S.P., Swailes, D.C. Johnson, G.R., J. Eng Med, IMechE Pt.H, 2008, 222(H7), 1081-1095	2008
Development of equine locomotion with age is linked to tendon stiffness - Addis, P.R., Lawson S.E.M., Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2009, 153(2), S118-S118	2009
A quasi-static state examination of handle-forces and translational acceleration at impending planar motion - Abraham, B.B., Johnson, G.R., 2010, 224(K2), 143-156	2010
Glenohumeral contact forces in reversed anatomy shoulder replacement - Masjedi M, Johnson, G.R., Journal of Biomechanics, 2010, 43, 13, 2493-2500	2010
Incidence of Adverse Reactions to Metal Debris following hip resurfacing arthroplasty: a multi-centre study involving 4,000 patients - Langton, D., Joyce, T.J., Lord, J., Jameson, S.S., Holland, J., Nargol, A.V., Smet, K De, Journal of Biomechanics, 2010, 43, Supp 1, S43-44	2010
Metal-on-metal resurfacing hip prostheses: hero or villain? - Joyce, T.J., Langton, D., Lord, J., Nargol, A.V., Journal of Biomechanics, 2010, 43, Supp 1, S7	2010
Reverse anatomy shoulder replacement – Comparison of two designs - Masjedi, M., Johnson, G.R., Journal of Engineering in Medicine IMechE part H, 2010, 224 no. 9 1039-1049	2010
The role of tendon stiffness in development of equine locomotion with age - Addis, P.R. Lawson, S.E.M., EVJ, 2010, 42 (Suppl. 38) 556-560	2010
Accelerating failure rate of the ASR total hip replacement - Langton, D.J., Jameson, S.S., Joyce, T.J., Mereddy, P., Lord, J., Nargol, A.V.F, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2011, 93B, 1011-1016	2011
Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris following hip resurfacing: the influence of component type, orientation and volumetric wear - Langton, D.J., Joyce, T.J., Jameson, S.S.,Lord, J.K., Van Orsouw, M., Holland, J.P., Nargol, A.V.F., De Smet, K.D., Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2011, 93B, 164-171	2011
Alteration of scapula lateral rotation for subjects with the reversed anatomy shoulder replacement and its influence on glenohumeral joint contact force - Masjedi, M., Johnson, G.R., Proc of IMechE part H, 2011, 225 No.1, 38-47	2011
Comparison of range of motion and function of subjects with reverse anatomy Bayley-Walker shoulder replacement with those of normal subjects - Masjedi, M., Lovell, C., and Johnson, G.R., Human Movement Science, 2011, 30(6), 1062-71	2011
Reducing metal ion release following hip resurfacing arthroplasty - Langton, D.J., Joyce, T.J., Mangat, N., Lord, J.K., van Oursouw, M.,De Smet, K., Nargol, A.V.F., Orthopaedic Clinics of North America, 2011, 42, 2, 169-180	2011
A technique for motion capture of the finger using functional joint centres and the effect of calibration range of motion on its accuracy - Warlow, O., Lawson, S.E.M., Proc of IMecheE, part H, 2012, 226(5), 360-367	2012
An analysis of explanted pyrolytic carbon prostheses - Bone MC, Giddins G, Joyce TJ., Journal of Hand Surgery: European Volume2013, (epub ahead of print).	2013
Analysis of failed Van Straten LPM proximal interphalangeal prostheses - Bone MC, Cunningham JL, Lord J, Giddins G, Field J, Joyce TJ., Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) 2013,38(3), 313-320	2013
Surface finish of the Exeter Trauma Stem: A cause for concern? - Petheram TG, Bone M, Joyce TJ, Serrano-Pedraza I, Reed MR, Partington PF., The Bone & Joint Journal 2013,95-B(2), 173-176	2013
A novel method for measuring acetabular cup deformation in cadavers - Bone MC, Dold P, Flohr M, Preuss R, Joyce TJ, Deehan, Holland J., Proceeds of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Part H: Engineering in Medicine, 2013, 227(12), 1341 - 1344	2013
Adaptation planning guideline and constrained outline for shower chairs and other four-caster vehicles - Abraham B.B., Davison, R.I., Johnson, G.R., BJOT, 2013, 76(10): 443-451	2013
Theory and validation of the motion resistance mechanism of four-caster manual vehicles - Abraham B.B., Davison, R.I., Johnson, G.R. Proc of IMechE, part K, Journal of multi body dynamics, 227 (3): 313-326. 2013	2013
Topographical analysis of the femoral components of ex vivo total knee replacements - Scholes, S.C., Kennard, E., Gangadharan, R., Weir, D., Holland, J., Deehan, D., Joyce, T.J., 2013, 24: 547-554	2013

Bioactive/resorbable glasses and glass-ceramics

Glasses and glass ceramics with complex compositions can be made by using different techniques (melting and quenching, sol-gel, coprecipitation, etc).

Silicate and phosphate glasses are widely used as biomaterials due to their ability to form chemical bonds with bone, making them bioactive.

Phosphate glasses are resorbable and the resorption rate can match the bone formation by using specific glass compositions. These glasses are biocompatible and have a positive effect on cells adhesion and proliferation.

3D-scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Bioactive and/or resorbable glasses can be used for fabrication of porous structures that can mimic the natural bone.

Versatile techniques can be utilised for production of macroporous scaffold. These techniques rely on the use of polymers that burn during specific heat treatments, leaving a porous structure instead.

The pores structure depends on the particles size of the glass, heating process (temperature, time) and polymers type and structure. Highly porous scaffolds (porosity >70vol%) with good mechanical properties can be fabricated using polyurethane foams as sacrificial template.

Magnetic biomaterials

Biocompatible magnetic materials can be used for the treatment of cancer by magnetic induction hyperthermia.

This technique uses magnetic biomaterials that are implanted in the cancer tissue. Under an alternating magnetic field, these magnetic materials can generate heat, killing the cancer cells.

The heating temperature depends on the materials properties, magnetic field parameters (intensity, frequency) and tissue characteristics (blood flow, tissue density, type of tumoral cells, tissue conductivity, etc).

By using appropriate surface functionalisation techniques, cancer drugs can be loaded on the top of biomaterials and can be released locally into the cancerous tissue, increasing the efficiency of the cancer treatment.

Biomechanical modelling is a method used to simulate the movement of the musculoskeletal system.

Various techniques (such as inertial sensors, force plates, pressure mats and video-based photogrammetric methods) are used to measure usually the external features of movement (eg ground reaction force or marker-based body segment displacements). These can then be used to model internal aspects of motion (joint and muscle action for example).

Clinical gait analysis

In clinical gait analysis, the interest is often to compare key gait parameters, which are sensitive to abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system, among different individuals.

While biomechanical modelling in human movement analysis research can be quite complex, quantitative lameness research in livestock animals is at an early stage of defining how abnormalities are reflected in gait.

Research at Newcastle University has focused on video-based 3D motion capture of pigs to investigate the gait of normal pigs and those with various abnormalities diagnosed in the musculoskeletal system.

The benefits of using quantitative indicators of gait abnormality would arise from the early detection and the automated monitoring of locomotive health in farm animals

Joints

Research is currently being undertaking into investigating how the joints of spiders and insects work, using methods such as motion capture, force analysis, and medical imaging.

We analyse how these creatures move, as well as the joint differences between different species. These findings can then be used to help engineering design to create solutions to problems these creatures have evolved to overcome.

Mechanics of biomaterials

Mechanics of bone formed on Ti alloys.

Nanoindentation induced fracture in thin films

Nanoindentation induced fracture in thin films.

The word ‘tribology’ comes from the Greek ‘tribos’ which means ‘to rub’. Tribology is the science which relates to friction, lubrication and wear.

Biotribology concerns the application of tribology to the human body.

Natural joints, such as those in our hips, knees and fingers are wonderful pieces of engineering. They can sustain remarkably high loads with incredibly low levels of friction. To a certain extent they are self-healing and can function superbly for tens of decades whiles undertaking tens of millions of cycles of operation.

When they do go wrong, often due to common diseases such as osteoarthritis, bioengineers and orthopaedic surgeons, among others, can help by replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.

Millions of artificial hip and knee joints have been implanted and the vast majority perform very well, often for the lifetime of the patient. However, when they do go wrong they need to be replaced, necessitating a second major operation with all the associated trauma and costs.

Implants and joint replacement

In the School of Engineering we undertake research with the aim of producing better implants for the millions of people who will need them in the future.

Some of this work involves working with industry and clinicians to design new types of joint replacement, such as the award-winning VAIOS® shoulder which was first implanted in 2010.

Research into failed artificial joints

Other research projects concern the examination of failed artificial joints so that we can learn how they failed and thus redesign the implants so that such causes of failure are eliminated or minimised.

In conjunction with the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle we examine failed knee joints and measure how worn they have become and changes in the roughness of their surfaces.

With orthopaedic colleagues from the University Hospital of North Tees, and from other hospitals across the UK, we measure the wear from failed metal-on-metal hips, work which has been covered in the national and international media.

We have also examined failed finger and toe implants, again working closely with surgeons and material scientists in the UK and internationally.

Laboratory testing of artificial joints

Another important area of our research is the laboratory testing of artificial joints.

In an application as important as the human being, it is vital that the most comprehensive testing of a medical implant is undertaken prior to implantation.

We have recently developed a multi-station shoulder simulator that can apply a full range of motion to artificial joints intended for the most mobile joint in the human body.

In a separate project we are working with hand surgeons to test artificial finger joints which are used in the proximal interphalangeal joints.

We also try our new biomaterials to see if they offer low wear solutions for future designs of novel artificial joints.

Using 3D printing, cell deposition and a range of other techniques we make new combinations of cells, biomaterials, proteins and other biomolecules for use in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and advanced medical modelling applications.

This research area covers techniques for printing and depositing cells and incorporating them into biomaterial structures, and the use of a range of process for creating hard, soft and functionally gradient structures.

Our 3D bioprinting video illustrates one of our projects (Newcastle University/RiHN/EPSRC): 3-D Bioprinting - islet microtissues to redistribute manufacture for treatment of Type 1 diabetes.