Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2013-04-17
Elective for: F4, F4-mt, F4-bem, F4-bm, M4, MD4, N4, Pi4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
The aim of the course is to deepen the knowledge in biomechanics and mechanobiology of the skeletal tissues (bone, articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments) and to understand the pathomechanics of injury, adaption and degenerative changes with aging. Moreover, the course aims to provide an insight into current biomechanical research of skeletal tissues.
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
* understand the musculoskeletal system of the human body
* understand how mechanical terminology and theories such as linear
elasticity, poroelasticity and viscoelasticity can be used to
describe mechanical behaviour with respect to the
composition-structure-function relationships of the skeletal
tissues
* understand the basics of mechanobiology; how tissues are formed,
repaired and optimized (remodelling) as a result of mechanical
simulation
* understand how prosthesis and implants are designed in order to
function mechanically in the human body, including the load
transfer through the major joints, e.g. the hip and the knee
* understand the mechanical consequences of the main pathologies
and degenerative diseases of the skeletal tissues
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
* be able to formulate and solve mechanical problems for the
skeletal tissues.
* be able to read, understand and recapture scientific articles
related to the course topics.
* be able to make use of experimental techniques to mechanically
characterize the skeletal tissues.
* be able to make use of numerical techniques to solve and optimize
biomechanics and mechanobiological problems.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
* be able to assess and design implants for joint
replacement.
* be able to evaluate processes for tissue engineering.
* be able to interpret and discuss scientific literature related to
biomechanics.
The tissues in the human body that builds up the musculoskeletal
system (i.e. bone, articular cartilage, ligaments and tendons) are
largely mechanical in nature and are critical for our health. Their
mechanical competence are affected by their
composition-structure-function relationship.
This course is structured around mechanics of materials and their
application to the study of mechanical behavior of skeletal
tissues, whole bones, bone-implant systems, and diarthroidal
joints. Topics include: mechanical behavior of tissues (anisotropy,
viscoelasticity, fracture and fatigue) with emphasis on the role of
the microstructure of these tissues; structural properties of whole
bones and implants (composite and asymmetric beam theories); and
mechanical function of joints (contact mechanics, lubrication and
wear). The role of mechanobiology in the evolution and development
of the musculoskeletal system is described, as well as its
influence during tissue repair, remodeling and degeneration.
The course describes the available methods to assess and understand
these tissues both from an experimental and numerical approach, and
how to use experimental data to develop theoretical models, as well
as on using the knowledge gained to address common health related
problems related to aging, disease and injury. The design and
function of implants and prosthesis are also described and coupled
to the mechanics and biology of the system.
Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Two assignments are performed individually and reported in written form, and one assignment is performed in a group and presented both in a written report and as an oral presentation. One experimental laboratory exercise and one finite element modeling exercise is performed in group, but reported in one combined report individually. Each assignment and exercise will receive written feedback from the course coordinator, and be graded with the grades failed, 3, 4, 5. The final grade is given based on a combination of the course assignments and the laboratory report. Procedures for extra assignments to pass the course when failed, are arranged after contact with the course coordinator.
Parts
Code: 0112. Name: Assignment 1.
Credits: 1,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Assignment is judged with U,3,4,5
Code: 0212. Name: Assignment 2.
Credits: 1,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Assignment is judged with U,3,4,5
Code: 0312. Name: Assignment 3.
Credits: 1,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Assignment is judged with U,3,4,5
Code: 0412. Name: Project.
Credits: 3. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Project is judged with U,3,4,5
Required prior knowledge: Biomechanics (FHL110 or equivalent).
The number of participants is limited to: No
Course coordinator: Hanna Isaksson, hanna.isaksson@solid.lth.se