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Deadline: The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
West Midlands, All England
A new PhD scholarship for Black British Researchers in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
PhD Project: Designing total knee replacement implants for patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
This PhD project will be based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering which is part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
About the project
The human knee joint is often affected by arthritis and in many cases surgical intervention is necessary to perform a total knee replacement. This procedure involves removing bone from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) and inserting a total knee replacement implant. A metal (cobalt chrome molybdenum alloy) component is attached to the femur, while another metal (titanium alloy) component is inserted into the tibia. A polymer (ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene) part is then fixed to the top of the tibial metal component. As the knee moves, the metal femoral component articulates against the polymer part.
Total knee replacement implants have typically been designed based on Caucasian knee anatomy. However, there is often a mismatch between these implants and the knees of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. For instance, black patients have been found to have a significant difference in tibial aspect ratio as compared to the Caucasian tibia, with systematic reviews suggesting worse outcomes following knee replacement.
This project will develop a scalable model of the knee to account for different ethnicities. Knee implant models will then be integrated into this scalable knee model to guide improvements in implant design. Finally, new implant designs will be proposed for patients from different ethnic backgrounds.
An initial model knee will be created from a scan of a knee joint and this model will serve as a template to produce the bony anatomy of knees for patients from various ethnic backgrounds, as well as gender. Several parameters (shapes and dimensions) from the initial model will be identified to create a generic, scalable knee model. By adjusting these parameters, it will be possible to generate knee models tailored to patients from different ethnic backgrounds. These parameters will be based on published literature.
The created model knees will be imported to Computer-Aided Design software and models of currently available knee replacement implants will then be fitted to these model knees to assess fit and motion. These models will then inform the design of new knee implants for patients from different ethnic backgrounds. Finite Element Analysis will be used to investigate the stresses within the implants and at the interface between the implant and the bone.
To validate the computational models, physical models of the knee joint and knee replacement implants will be produced using the 3D printing.
The research in this project is significant because approximately 3.6 million knee replacement procedures were performed globally in 2023. This number is expected to rise considerably over the next decade due to an aging population. Consequently, there will be an increased need for total knee replacements among patients across all ethnic backgrounds.
Who can apply?
These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:
3.Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham
What does the scholarship provide?
Applicants will be expected to have a good Honours degree (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree) awarded by a recognised University in a relevant subject, or an alternative qualification, or experience of equal quality. In certain cases, a Masters degree or equivalent may be expected in a relevant subject.
After applicants have made contact with the lead PhD supervisor, you will then need to apply to the PhD project using our online application portal: you should select '125th Anniversary Scholarships (EPS)'. You will need to create an account for the online application portal and you will be prompted to sign-in upon your return to the portal.
You do not need to complete your application in one session; you can save your application at each stage and return to the portal at any stage before submission, particularly if you do not have all of the necessary documents when you begin your application.
As this is an 'advertised PhD', in which you will studying the above project that has already been provided by the academic supervisor(s), you do not need to submit a research proposal. Your personal statement will suffice for determining your suitability for the PhD project as well as your previous academic, professional and personal experiences.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
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