The main goal is to teach the students:

1)       The most essential aspects involved in the biomechanical analyses of  the lower extremity,

2)       how these aspects can be analyzed using computational modeling techniques

3)       to develop a critical mind relative towards biomechanical analyses techniques of the lower extremity

4)       to get experience of how researchers, clinicians and company people communicate within the biomechanical field

1)      Good knowledge about biomechanical aspects of the musculoskeletal lower extremity

2)      Good knowledge about how these aspects can quantified using computer simulation techniques in terms of the correct boundary, material properties, loading configurations,  type of analysis method used, validation aspects of these models and clinical relevance.

3)      A taste of international communication experience with scientists, clinicians and people working at companies.

Bone and its multiscale morphology

Micro and macro finite element models of bone

Computer models to predict bone strength (osteoporosis, metastastic lesions)

Knee anatomy relative to its function

Anterior cruciate ligament functioning and reconstruction

Modeling of the knee joint and the complex interactions of the various tissues

Open access knee models

Biomechanical properties of cartilage

Hyperelastic and poro-elastic materials

Meniscus and meniscus modeling

The basics of total knee replacement (TKR)

Modeling cemented and cementless TKR

Hip anatomy and and total hip replacement (THR)

Forces around the hip and the knee

Orthoload database

Finite element modeling of failure mechanisms of THR

Biomechanical issues of hip surface replacement devices

Wolff’s law and stress shielding

Modeling of periprosthetic bone remodeling

3-D printing of orthopaedic implants

What is inverse dynamics and how to calculate moments in the joints?

How can you calculate muscle forces and joint forces?

Recent innovations in total joint surgery (computer navigation, robotic surgery, new implant materials, computer simulations)

Knowledge of continuum mechanics

Written examination (28 points)

Oral group presentation (4 points)