RESEARCH PROJECTS
3D Modeling and Kinematics of Wheelchair Tennis Within Novel Match Simulation Techniques
The Use of Patient-Specific 3D Printed Anatomical Models in Pre-Operative Planning and Patient Engagement to Improve Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes
This study, in collaboration with Clemson Athletics and the PRTM department, aims to advance adaptive sports, and in particular wheelchair tennis, integration in movement science. Wheelchair tennis athletes have a unique opportunity to utilize momentum of their chair to move around the court and gain position. As a result, our goal is to develop a 3D model of the athlete and chair as a unit to perform kinematic analyses on two novel match simulation techniques using 3D motion capture.
This study aims to pilot the use of 3D printed models for use in pre-operative planning to improve clinical outcomes and patient engagement. In this study, models will be created for participating individuals who are candidates for arthroscopy surgery to treat a femoroacetabular impingement. The CT DICOM files are converted to a 3D printable .stl file using a series of software and segmentations and printed for use by the physician. Through this work we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of using 3D modelling for pre-operative planning.
Evaluation of Ankle Mobility with Different Tape Conditions – A Collaboration with Milliken HD
​Ankle injuries account for 15% of all sports related injuries and as much as 45% of all injuries in high risk sports, such as football and basketball. They often result from highly dynamic, load-shifting movements such as cutting, jumping, and twisting. Commonly, prophylactic taping is used to prevent or even manage these injuries. The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the MHD taping system in relation to competitors. The use of 3D motion capture will allow for the measurement of tape integrity, through range of motion, following game and practice simulations.
Analysis of the Effect of Balance on Swing Consistency in Golf – In Collaboration with Clemson Athletics
The golf swing is a high speed, complex movement that involves miniscule yet elusive adjustments to master. It requires high levels of coordination, strength, and balance at the elite level. While specific outcomes of the swing and ball flight have been thoroughly researched, the effect of balance on performance has seldom been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of innate balance on swing consistency in elite golfers using 3D motion capture, force plates, and ball flight monitors.
The Use of Patient-Specific 3D Printed Anatomical Models in Pre-Operative Planning and Patient Engagement to Improve Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes
Infant Cranial Remodeling—
Head Start!
This study aims to pilot the use of 3D printed models for use in pre-operative planning to improve clinical outcomes and patient engagement. In this study, models will be created for participating individuals who are candidates for arthroscopy surgery to treat a femoroacetabular impingement. The CT DICOM files are converted to a 3D printable .stl file using a series of software and segmentationsand printed for use by the physician. Through this work we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of using 3D modelling for pre-operative planning.
Project title: Lab: Orthopaedic Design LabInfant cranial helmets are used to treat moderate to severe deformities of the skull, but the containment conditions during treatment have yet to be understood. This project aims to quantify head-helmet interactions during cranial remodeling treatment. A novel pressure mapping procedure has been developed and data is being collected for six patients throughout their treatment in collaboration with Prisma Health. The results of this study could inform clinicians of best fit practices.
Design of an ergonomic hand tool to prevent thumb injuries for assembly line associates
Upper extremity work related musculoskeletal disorders(UE-WMSDs)are strongly linked to overexertion and repetitive traumaand are a large probleminmanufacturing industries. Certain automotive assembly line tasks require the manual insertion of plugs into the frame of the car. The task can require up to 90N of force and is performed thousands of times during a single associate’s shift. The goal of this project is to reduce thumb related injuries for at risk line associates by creating a low cost, minimal impact on line solution that reduces forceson thumb without sacrificing the efficiency of the associate.
Development and Testing of an Automatic Telescopic Prosthesis for Improved Gait Efficiency in Lower-Limb Amputees
Lower-limb amputees experience asymmetric loading between their prosthesis and intact leg and a 60% increase in energy expenditure.This is due to a lack of forward propulsion during the pre-swing phase and an inefficientclearance during the swing phase from the prosthesis.Our goal is to develop a novel prosthesis with improved foot clearance, forward propulsion, and proprioception. The prosthesis will adjust linearly during gait; reducing length for foot clearance and increasing length for forward propulsion.
Preventing Infection by Surface Modification of Orthopaedic Fracture Fixation Implants For Improved Limb Salvage Outcomes
Monitoring Intertrochanteric Fracture Stability Through Passive Strain Sensing
Deep wounds to extremities received during combat are often contaminated with environmental and ballistic debris, which can lead to bacterial infection of orthopaedic fractures. Even with the use of antibiotics to treat these infected wounds, chronic infection rates remain high and often begin from biofilm formation on any implanted plates and screws. This research, funded by the U.S. Department of Army looks to design implants that can inhibit local infection and biofilm formation at the fracture site, decreasing patient treatment time, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing opportunities for active duty redeployment.
Experimental and Computational Methods for Headgear Impact Performance Analysis
As helmet manufacturers and start up inventors seek to improve impact performance of protective headgear in sport, many are doing so by improving the materials and structures used for internal padding and external shells. Helmet designs like the Vicis Zero 1, Schutt F7 LTD and Riddell SpeedFlex Diamond attempt to reduce head impact acceleration by increasing the duration of the impact. However, the addition of a metal cage affects the ability of a helmet system to deform to mitigate acceleration of an impacted head. The purpose of the current research in the Clemson Headgear Impact Performance (CHIP) Lab is to develop laboratory testing methodologies to understand the contribution of the facemask on the impact performance of the full helmet system.
Rehabilitation and Computational Modeling
Hospital readmission following a hip implant for intertrochanteric fractures has been shown to lead to mortality rates as high as 56% within 30 days of surgery. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, there can be anywhere from a 4-27% complication rate in cases where a dynamic hip screw (DHS) system is used. The dynamic hip screw system has been the standard implant for treating intertrochanteric fractures since its adoption, but complications such as poor fixation or infection can lead to implant loosening, failure and revision surgery. One of the strongest indicators of imminent implant failure is the improper loading of the DHS system. When surrounded by structurally compromised bone, the DHS system bears an increasing portion of the patient’s weight, eventually leading to implant failure. A robust, easily interpretable device capable of non-invasively determining the loads that exist within a DHS system could allow clinicians to more rapidly detect the onset of complications, as well as monitor the status of bone healing.
Micromotion and strength of the glenoid component in shoulder arthroplasty: The effect of patient specific instrumentation in the simulated B2 glenoid
Glenoid deformity remains one of the most significant challenges in shoulder arthroplasty. Ideal placement of the glenoid component is felt to be the surgeon’s best weapon against early loosening, and patient specific instrumentation (PSI) systems have demonstrated an ability to more accurately position the glenoid in proper version and inclination (Ianotti jbjs 2015). This more accurate position, while felt to be protective against micromotion and early loosening, has not been evaluated biomechanically, however. The purpose of this study is to compare micromotion in a validated model between B2 glenoid components placed in malposition based on previously published surgeon free-hand data versus B2 glenoid components placed in an idealized location with the use of virtual implant positioning. Overall aims of this study include determining the micromotion of initial baseplate fixation, the amount of shear load necessary to cause failure of the glenoid component.
The goal of this project was to create a musculoskeletal model of human cycling motion able to estimate muscle forces and joint reactions based on 3D kinematic trajectory data. Unlike gait studies, the force plates for this experimental setup moved with the cycle pedals, were dynamic as opposed to being stationary during the capture period. Future work will include further validation of the model by comparing electromyography data of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and gastroc from subject testing to the associated estimated forces from the model with regard to ACL rehabilitation loading.
The Development of Additive Manufactured Foot Orthoses for Diabetic Patients
Patient Specific Additive Manufactured Prosthetic Interfaces for Reduction of Inner Socket Pressure Gradients
Diabetes can result in a multitude of symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation, which often results in ulceration of the foot. About 15% of all diabetics will experience a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Traditionally, clinically prescribed foot orthoses are used to treat and prevent ulceration. The goal of this project is to develop a 3D printed foot orthotic that is comfortable, durable and able to redistribute pressure as effectively as traditional foot orthoses.
Increased pressures and pressure gradients at the residual limb-prosthetic socket interface can lead to discomfort, pain, and even skin breakdown for prosthesis users. The goal of this research is to develop and validate a 3D printed, variable hardness interface mechanism that will reduce inner socket pressure gradients.
The Biomechanical Effect of a Horse's Gait on a Rider in Hippotherapy
Total Knee Replacement Wear Testing​​
Hippotherapy utilizes horseback riding as a form of rehabilitative therapy for treatment of a number of physical and neurological conditions. The rhythmic and oscillating motion that a horse provides is a crucial part of the exercise. The horse's pelvic motion interfaces with the rider, providing the rider with a three dimensional movement that would be difficult to obtain in normal physical therapy activities. However, the biomechanical interaction between horse and rider is still largely unknown. The goal if this research is to determine the effects a horse has on a rider across different horse conformations, and how the results of that study can be used to optimize a hippotherapy exercise for a targeted patient group.
Each year, over 0.5 million total knee replacement procedures are performed in the USA. This number is expected to increase as the US population ages, and as expectations for health, well-being and quality of life increase. Due to the success and popularity of these devices, there has also been a significant decrease in the average age of patients receiving total knee replacements. Unfortunately the longevity of these devices has not met up with demand, and it is expected that implant failure and replacement will become a significant financial and societal burden in the next 20 years. In our lab, we study the effects of movement and loading on the performance of total knee replacement systems, in an effort to determine how design, materials and environment affect their longevity and function. Through this work, our lab and co-collaborators have been able to show 1) how TKR systems can be quantified mechanically using dynamic knee simulators; 2) how patient and surgical alignment variables affect TKR movement; 3) how different polyethylene formulations and implant surface finishes affect TKR wear performance; 4) how simulated loading protocols and lubricants affect TKR wear in the laboratory; and 5) how different TKR designs perform under simulated and real-life conditions.
Inlay vs. Onlay: A Comparison of Two Glenoid Systems in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Loosening of the glenoid component via a “rocking horse” phenomenon, whereby the glenoid loosens as a result of edge loading of the implant during mild off-axis motion, is a common complication of total shoulder arthroplasties. A partial glenoid resurfacing implant, known as a glenoid inlay, is implanted centrally on the glenoid to match the surrounding anatomy with a fit that leaves it flush with the surrounding cartilage and is hypothesized to lessen the risk of rocking-horse loosening during physiologic activity. The purpose of this research study was to examine the contact pressures and implant stability associated with fatigue loading of the glenoid inlay and onlay systems during physiologic loading and motion in a cadaveric model.
X-fit Knee: Using artificial ligaments in a total knee replacement
Although Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) procedures now constitute 10% of knee implant procedures, the variables that affect their functional outcomes and long-term survival rates are poorly understood. These variables include a variety of patient, surgical and implant factors; including diagnosis, patient selection, implant design, material, implant alignment and fixation, and mismatch in material compliance.The goal of the this research is to investigate the relationship between UKA mal-alignment and the resulting biomechanics of the knee using cadaveric specimens and a custom-built knee rig.
Current total knee replacement (TKR) designs work to address clinically desired knee stability and range of motion through a balance of retained anatomy and added implant geometry. However, simplified implant geometries such as bearing surfaces, posts and cams are often used to replace complex ligamentous constraints that are sacrificed during most TKR procedures. This study evaluates a novel TKR design that incorporates synthetic ligaments to enhance the stability of the TKR system. By incorporating artificial cruciate ligaments into a TKR design at specific locations and lengths, it is hoped that the stability of the TKR can be significantly altered while maintaining active ranges of motion, to significantly enhance and control the kinematic performance of a TKR system.