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| Tensile testing of a mouse mitral valve leaflet under simultaneous confocal imaging reveals heterogeneous cell (red) and matrix fiber (green) deformations within the propagating failure region. J. Butcher |
The development of effective prostheses, such as artificial hips and knees, is one highly visible and societally important aspect of biomedical mechanics. The field also contributes significantly to understanding the effects of mechanical forces on cell physiology, tissue development, human locomotion and rehabilitation, and organ function.
Developing new orthopedic implants, primarily total joint replacement systems, has been an interest among Cornell researchers for years particularly in collaboration with the Hospital for Special Surgery. Current challenges include designing effective replacements for the wrist and shoulder, and extending the useful life of current knee and hip designs. Studies are also under way to examine new implant materials and their biological and mechanical interfaces.
Researchers are also studying the tissue, cellular, and molecular events that occur in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems in response to genetic and biophysical factors such as mechanical loading, hormones, and growth factors. Integrated approaches include clinical studies of bone mineral acquisition during growth, experiments in skeletal functional adaptation and repair, and analytical models and analyses of bone growth, development, and adaptation. These are complemented by studies on tissue engineering of cartilage and bone.
The biomechanics of soft tissue is an emerging area of research that could have important contributions to human health. At Cornell, the biomechanics of the cardiovascular system is of particular interest. The mechanical properties of heart valves and blood vessels change dramatically in disease states, and understanding the role of these mechanical changes in the development of disease will provide essential information for the design of therapeutic approaches. Cornell researchers work on the design of replacemeent heart valves, particularly tissue engineered valves, as well as tissue engineered blood vessels.
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