Divisions

Directed by Dr. Mei Wang, the Biomechanics Laboratory is designed and maintained to support basic science and applied research projects in orthopaedic biomechanics. Research methods often encompass in-vitro experiments and the use of computer modeling and analysis. Student and medical resident integration into projects is provided through the academic program structure. Project selection is normally through the collaboration with an OREC faculty member.

The human motion analysis laboratory is designed to support a broad range of clinical and research oriented projects. Clinically, it is structured to evaluate adult, foot and ankle, pediatric, sports medicine and total joint patients during ambulation and other activities. The gait lab offers comprehensive analysis of lower extremity motion, including kinematics, kinetics and EMG analysis. Typical kinematic analysis includes motion analysis of the pelvis, thigh, shank and foot in three-dimensions. Kinetic analysis includes determination of joint moments and powers. The EMG system allows for 10 distinct muscles to be tested simultaneously and correlated to specific events in the gait cycle. EMG’s can be collected on surface muscles using skin mounted electrodes or for deeper muscles fine wires can be placed as needed for recording. Age stratified databases allow for pathologic patients to be compared with age matched "normals." In addition, kinematic clinical testing is now being done on patients aged 10 and older, with a focus on the motions of the foot and ankle during ambulation.

Directed by Dr. Jeffrey M. Toth, the Biomaterials Research division's main interests are: 1) Tissue Engineering, which is applicable to dentistry as well as orthopaedics, the Biomaterials laboratory has been doing research in bone tissue engineering for several years; 2) Bone Grafts and bone graft substitutes – biology, immunology, mechanical characterization; 3) Fabrication, characterization, and evaluation of ceramic biomaterials for orthopaedic and dental applications, particularly calcium phosphate ceramics as bone graft substitutes; 4) Characterization and pre-clinical testing of orthopaedic and dental biomaterials - materials, surfaces, and host-response characterization (selection, design, methods, and application of biocompatibility studies). Histology collaboration and support for grant activities in which hard tissue histology is a method of analysis. Characterization and pre-clinical testing of orthopaedic and dental biomaterials - materials, surfaces, and host-response characterization (selection, design, methods, and application of biocompatibility studies); 5) Mechanisms and clinical uses for osteoinductive substances and materials.

The Rehabilitation Robotic Research Design Lab, through the design, development and therapeutic use of novel, affordable, intelligent robotic/mechatronic and domotic assistants, is focused on examining underlying causes of upper limb impairment after neural disease, injury, or cerebral accident, on discovering effective methods to retrain functional recovery on daily living activities, and on developing new ways of facilitating independent living in daily living environments.