Our Research
Our three main research topics: Bone Mechanics, Tendon Mechanobiology, and Tissue characterization
Bone Mechanics
Statistical modelling of shape and appearance of the hip
The research aims at improving osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture risk assessment. This is done by combining DXA imaging, a pre-developed shape template, statistical shape modeling, and finite element analysis (FEA).
Damage mechanisms in healthy and osteoporotic bone
The research aims at understanding how the fracture resistance of bone is affected by age or disease and to identify what features that are key for maintaining good mechanical integrity. This is done using computational models such as the extended finite element model (XFEM).
Tendon Mechanobiology
Computational Modeling of Achilles tendon mechanobiology
The research aims to better understand biomechanical and mechanobiological behaviour of tendons and how these mechanical properties change due to loading and develop during healing. This is done using both experimental and computational approaches.
Experimental models of tendon biomechanics and mechanobiology
The research aims to unravel the relationship between in vivo mechanical stimuli and tendon structure. This is done using a combination of high-resolution synchrotron techniques, such as small-angle X-ray scattering and phase contrast X-ray tomography, and conventional methods, such as histology, microscopy and mechanical testing.
Tissue characterization
Nanoscale tissue characterization
The aim of the research is to understand the relationship between mechanical stimuli and the basic building blocks of musculoskeletal tissues, mainly bone and tendon (see section on “tendon mechanobiology”). This is done using experimental techniques such as small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in combination with mechanical loading in vivo or in situ.
Phase contrast enhanced tomography imaging
The aim of the research is to achieve a complete structural characterization of musculoskeletal tissues at the meso/microscale. To do this, the microstructural organization of weakly mineralized (e.g. forming bones at early embryonal stages) and soft tissues (e.g. tendons and ligaments) are studied using 3D high-resolution imaging techniques such as Phase-contrast Synchrotron X-ray tomography (SR-PhC-μCT).
Neutron scattering and imaging
The aim of the research is to explore if neutron techniques such as small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron tomography can help us improve the understanding of how degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) and trauma treatments such as medical interventions involving metallic implants affect the composition and structure of skeletal tissues.