Resources

Biomechanical load frames

• MTS Bionix axial-torsional load frame with FlexTest dual gimbal 8-degree-of-freedom kinematics tester

• MTS Bionix axial-torsional load frame

• 2 MTS uniaxial load frames

Numerous custom-designed biomechanical testing apparatuses, including

• Knee joint simulator for implant micromotion testing

• Hip joint simulator for implant micromotion testing

• Ankle load simulator for kinematic measurements

• Spine kinematics tester for pure moment testing

• Simulation of spine scoliosis corrective surgeries

Implant wear studies, including

• Hip joint orbital wear simulators

• Disk replacement wear simulators for lumbar or cervical spine

Implant fretting wear studies

• Custom-designed fretting wear simulator using load control, for studying implant cement, implant bone, and modular interface fretting wear

• Morse taper fretting tester, complies to ASTM standards

Implant retrieval studies

• Comprehensive measurement and analysis of joint replacement and fracture fixation devices, including

  • Characterization and quantification of tissue reactions

  • Histopathological analysis, including ALVAL scoring

  • Surface analysis

  • Identification and quantification of damage, degradation, and wear

  • Corrosion analysis

  • Failure analysis

  • Metrology analysis (see below)

Implant metrology

• CMM (coordinate measurement machine) for 3D scanning of implant surfaces

• Quantification of wear depth and material loss (wear volume) using CMM data and numerical modeling software

• Profilometry for characterization of surface roughness and mapping of surface topology