Interested in PhD study at the ABI? Join our webinar this Thursday to find out more and ask any questions you might have.

To accelerate the generation of patient-specific bone and joint modelling, our team have developed statistical shape and density models of children lower limbs pelvis, femur and tibia. These paediatric population-based models are capable of predicting the form-function relationships of the musculoskeletal system in children. It bridges the gap between inaccurate generic models and subject specific models by predicting children’s bone automatically and accurately in a matter of seconds. These paediatric population-based models of bone shape and bone mineral density prediction can be used for mechanical analyses. FEA models have been used extensively in adults but only few have been developed on children and young adults. An understanding of bone morphology and mechanics during childhood and adolescence will inform mechanisms of bony deformation in musculoskeletal disorders and predict future complications from orthopaedic surgical intervention.

As a student you will develop a paediatric hip joint FE model based on a previously developed statistical shape and density model of the pelvis and femur which will inform bone geometry and material properties. Pre and simulated post-surgery bone stress, strain and joint contact forces distribution will be calculated from this customised shape-density hip FE model. The pre-surgery FE model will inform the surgeon on the abnormal joint contact forces and bone stress distribution within the hip joint of a patient. Using this model, the surgeon can perform ‘virtual surgeries’ to aid their treatment decision-making.

Desired skills

• Finite Element Modelling
• Solid mechanics

Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years

At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy.

Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies.

Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science.

Want to know what our students think about studying at the ABI? Watch this video!