Case Studies

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms 

The decision to repair an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is currently based on aneurysm diameter or if they are symptomatic. However, although aneurysm size is an important predictor of rupture, not all large aneurysms rupture, while over 20% of small aneurysms (<5.5 cm) may rupture. Currently, no reliable criterion exists to predict risk of rupture on an individual patient basis, and a decision to operate based on aneurysm diameter alone may subject a significant proportion of patients to unnecessary surgery with significant mortality and morbidity. This case study illustrates the work the University has completed on predicting the risk of rupture to patients with aortic aneurysms.

Bone 

Work has been completed at the University analysing the structural changes that occur in bone with diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis. In particular the University has developed a powerful bone modelling environment (BMU-SIM) for cancellous bone that can simulate the changes that occur in the bone and can quantify the effects on its structural properties.

Fracture Plate

Periprosthetic fracture of the femur (that is a fracture near or around the stem of a hip replacement) is a relatively rare but serious complication, which is likely to increase in the future with the increasing number of hip operations and the ageing population. The nature of the fracture makes it a difficult complication to treat, and the treatment options depend on the stability of the prosthesis, patient condition, fracture pattern and bone condition. This research is concerned with the development of a new fracture plate that can most effectively manage the fracture and get the patient mobile as soon as possible.