Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board A
Date of Decision: 2016-04-05
Elective for: BME4-br, F4, F4-mt, 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, as well as how biomaterials can be used in loaded regions of the body. 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 the composition-structure-function relationships of
the skeletal tissues and be able to described these in mechanical
terms (linear elasticity, poroelasticity, viscoelasticity)
* understand the basics of mechanobiology; how tissues are formed,
repaired and optimized (remodeling) as a result of mechanical
simulation
* understand how systems of joints, e.g. the hip and the knee,
works in a mechanical sense, and how prosthesis, implants and
biomaterials are designed in order to function mechanically in the
human body.
* 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 both hard and soft 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 methods to understand and characterize
mechanical properties of skeletal tissues.
* 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 solid mechanics of materials and
their application to the study of mechanical behavior of skeletal
tissues, bones, cartilage, bone-implant systems, joints and
biomaterials. 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 and applies 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: One assignment is performed in a group and presented both in a written report and as an oral presentation. Two sets of laboratory exercises, both including experimental and finite element modeling exercise, is performed in group. These are reported in one combined report (exp + num) for each laboratory set, 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: 0115. Name: Assignment 1.
Credits: 1,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Assignment is judged with U,3,4,5
Code: 0215. Name: Project 1: Hard Tissues.
Credits: 3. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Project is judged with U,3,4,5
Code: 0315. Name: Project 2: Soft Tissues/biomaterials.
Credits: 3. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Project is judged with U,3,4,5
Required prior knowledge: Basic courses in mathematics, mechanics, solid mechanics, and
Biomechanics (FHLF05 or equivalent).
The number of participants is limited to: No
Course coordinator: Hanna Isaksson, hanna.isaksson@bme.lth.se
Course homepage: http://bme.lth.se/course-pages/tissue-biomechanics/tissue-biomechanics/