Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Shoulder arthritis is a common chronic disease and a significant cause of pain, disability and utilization of health care services. The incidence of shoulder arthritis increases with age and, as a result, the prevalence and burden of this disorder is increasing rapidly. Replacement of the diseased shoulder with metal and/or plastic implants provides the most successful and predictable relief of pain for arthritis of this joint. Instability and premature implant loosening can complicate shoulder replacement, and is a major cause of failure of this reconstruction. Although a variety of implant systems are now available, much remains to be understood regarding the mechanical implications of these designs from an engineering perspective, particularly with regard to joint motion and loading. Optimizing the function of these joints necessitates engineering based biomechanical studies in the laboratory. Hence, the long-term goal of this research is to conduct a comprehensive series of investigations, aimed at the study of the biomechanics of shoulder implants, with special interest in arming the surgeon, engineer, and therapist with new knowledge that will enhance the design of implants, improve current surgical techniques, and develop optimal therapy protocols. Over the 5-year tenure of this work, it is proposed to develop shoulder-testing systems to investigate the biomechanics of implant reconstructed shoulder joints. Also, techniques that permit the quantification of shoulder stability for eventual clinical use in the operating room will be developed. It is likely that these studies will result in the evolution of a state of the art testing program that will permit a wide range of research-based studies. It is also anticipated that the establishment of the implant testing system will become a popular approach for implant manufacturers, as their designs can eventually be trailed in this system to assess new. Ultimately, these studies will improve the mechanical performance of shoulder implants in the patient.