Dr. Xijin Hua
University of Cambridge, UK
Title: Multiscale modelling methods in musculoskeletal biomechanics and medical device development
Abstract:
The musculoskeletal system in the human body is basically comprised of skeletal bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints and other connecting tissues. This complex system provide us the ability to walk, run, exercise, and engage in all types of activities of daily living (ADLs). An injury to this system is devastating, and would have a significant impact on our ability to function in everyday life. Musculoskeletal injuries can range from relative minor, such as ankle sprain causing only minor pain, to very serious, such as joint osteoarthritis (OA) leading to disability. In order to better understand the causes of the musculoskeletal injuries and prevent joint injuries, one has to investigate the biomechanics (i.e. movements, forces, toques, muscle recruitments, stresses and strains) of the musculoskeletal system at multiple scales, from organ level down to tissue level. In this presentation, a state-of-the-art multiscale modelling and simulation technique to assess the biomechanical function of the musculoskeletal system at multiple scales will be presented. The application of the technique on the musculoskeletal biomechanics, tissue biomechanics, sports biomechanics, as well as on the design and development of orthopaedic implants and 3D printed orthotic devices will be demonstrated. This multiscale modelling technique will allow the assessment of not only the biomechanical strength of the musculoskeletal system and medical devices, but also the mechanobiological response of the tissue and biomaterials.
Biography:
Dr Xijin Hua is currently a research fellow in the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), Department of Engineering at University of Cambridge in the UK. Prior to joining IfM, Dr Hua received his PhD degree from the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at University of Leeds in the UK, and was working as an EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellow in the Institute for Biomechanics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich in Switzerland afterwards. Dr Hua has more than 10 year’s experiences in computational musculoskeletal biomechanics. His researches focus on development of advanced computational modelling and simulation, and integration of simulation with 3D printing technology, for investigating the biomechanics and biotribology of the musculoskeletal system, soft tissue and joints, and for supporting the design, development and manufacturing of medical devices. Dr Hua has published over 30 refereed journal and conference articles, and received several research grants as PI, including a Fully-funded International Research Scholarship from the UK (£ 79,200), a White Rose Collaboration Fund from the White Rose University Consortium in the UK (£ 10,795), a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship from European Commission (€ 187,419), and an Imaged-based Biomedical Modelling Fellowship from the USA ($ 3,000). Dr Hua’s research on the multiscale musculoskeletal biomechanics was awarded as featured project by the European Commission.