Funded PhD opportunity in ankle joint replacement at the Univeristy of Leeds

January 24, 2017

This exciting project will apply novel engineering tools to examine an emerging area of ankle joint replacement. It is estimated that osteoarthritis of the ankle affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Total ankle replacement (TAR) has been used clinically as a treatment for ankle arthritis however, it is less successful than hip or knee replacement, and as a result is used less frequently. Failure of ankle replacement is often associated with loosening of the implant and lesions within the bone, and recent computational work at Leeds has demonstrated that implant positioning greatly affects the stress in the tibial bone.
The aim of this project is to develop finite element models of total ankle replacement to examine the effects of bone quality, geometry and surgical positioning on the contact mechanics of a TAR and the stress experienced within the surrounding bone in both the tibia and talus. This project will utilise state-of-the-art equipment for imaging and experimental studies and build on the group’s computational modelling expertise to develop novel finite element models of the ankle complex. The study will identify the critical features of TAR design and surgical procedure to improve the outcomes for future patients.

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from candidates with or expecting a minimum of a UK upper second class honours degree (2:1), and/or a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or science degree.

How to apply

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the university’s website. Please state clearly in the research information section that the PhD you wish to be considered for is the ‘Finite element analysis of total ankle replacement’ as well as Dr Claire Brockett as your proposed supervisor.
We welcome scholarship applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates.  All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.
If you require any further information please contact the Graduate School Office
e: phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk, t: +44 (0)113 343 8000.