PhD Studentship: Joints in Focus: Quantifying Articular Contact and Investigating Joint Geometry’s Impact on Osteoarthritis Progression

Supervisory Team: Dr. Charles Burson-Thomas, Dr. Orestis Katsamenis, and Prof. Martin Browne

PhD Supervisor: Charles Burson-Thomas

Project description:

Osteoarthritis (OA) presents a significant global socioeconomic challenge, and the associated burden is likely to increase with an ageing population. In the UK alone, millions of people are affected by OA. The Bioengineering Science Research Group at Southampton has a long track record of collaborating with clinicians, patients and industry on tissue engineering strategies, minimally invasive implant development and joint biomechanics, with the aim of reducing the incidence, progression, and effect of this very debilitating and painful condition.

In this project, we will utilise our expertise in bone joint modelling and imaging to better understand whether the geometry of the tissues that make up the joint play a role in the development of OA. We have found that the bone geometry of individuals can vary so much that in some cases, the peak compressive stress in a joint for a person of average weight can increase to that of an obese individual. This is significant because obesity is a known risk factor for OA. The project will therefore use advanced 3D imaging techniques to measure and model the geometry of tissues within both healthy and OA joints to identify ‘at risk’ joint geometries and relate this to clinical outcomes.

To enable this, a unique microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) dataset of cadaveric human hands with a variety of OA pathological features has been collected. Your project will be the first to analyse this dataset in detail, enhancing our understanding of OA biomechanics and potentially its pathogenesis. Ultimately this project could help underpin a new set of personalised treatments to prevent or delay the onset of OA, reduce healthcare costs, and improve management strategies thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by OA.

The project offers transferable skills in advanced imaging (processing and quantitative analysis), engineering modelling, and biomedical research.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team based in the Bioengineering Science research group in the Faculty of the Environment and Physical Sciences, and supported by world-class infrastructure and expertise, and working closely with the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre (www.muvis.org) and the Biomedical Imaging Unit.

Please see the following presentation (15-20 mins) from me, Dr Charles Burson-Thomas (primary supervisor), on the project and the group you would be joining at Southampton: southampton.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=2b7fb1e8-54c3-4efe-a730-b19d010a3cd9

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Tuition fee and stipend guaranteed for successful applicant from either UK or an EU-Horizon country, for eligible countries please see full list at www.southampton.ac.uk/doctoral-college/eu-fee-waivers.page.

How to apply

Apply onlineby clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Charles Burson-Thomas.

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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