Orthopaedics and Biomedical Engineering Design: An Innovative Duet toward a Better Tomorrow

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to explore the benefits and dynamics of collaborations between orthopaedic surgeons and biomedical engineering (BME) undergraduates and faculties in the context of engineering design programs as well as clinical immersion programs. An outline of strategies to navigate the seemingly complex landscape of hospitals and universities is presented through models of orthopaedic-BME collaborations at two distinct academic practice settings in the United States. In addition to (four) examples of BME design projects sponsored by the clinicians, funding and intellectual property (IP), priority of time management, as well as the positive impact on student education are also discussed. Design collaborations can provide unique educational and research opportunities for the development of undergraduate engineering students to become future leaders; at the same time, this simultaneously facilitates innovative solutions fulfilling unmet clinical needs for orthopaedic clinicians. Overall, we hope to provide references and resources for pediatric orthopaedists who are interested in participating in similar orthopaedic-BME design framework for future innovation and student education in real-life orthopaedic research translation. Key Concepts•The "duet" partnership between orthopaedics and biomedical engineering can bring a paradigm shift in orthopaedic surgery.•Such a collaboration model introduces the BME students to real-world clinical needs and a potential future career trajectory; in return, this also offers the orthopaedists the opportunity to fulfill unmet clinical needs, offer better patient care, as well as understand the process of research and design (R&D) in engineering.•The IP issue is complex and often related to the funding source; it is well worth the time for both the orthopaedist and the BME student to comprehend and negotiate IP before the project commences.•Making time and effort to "join the team" in person with BME is tremendous for the team morale, in addition to remotely providing clinical perspectives-albeit challenging for full-time orthopaedic surgeons.•References #3 (ABET, United States) and #4 (Engineers Canada, Canada) provide a comprehensive list of contacts of BME programs that would be excellent partners for orthopaedic collaborations.

Figure 1

Fully assembled final device showing multiple socket sizes and adjustable tubing to help children with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiencies to independently and safely learn how to ride a bike.

Figure 2

Device attached to a bike.

Figure 3

Exo-skeleton concept of applying multiple IMUs (yellow) that are wired to the central Arduino (microcontroller, green); note that the IMUs are housed in acrylic cases and secured to the body using nylon straps and VELCRO® Brand strips.

Figure 4

(A) Workflow of application under GUI: acquiring the motion data, comparing the motion to the same technique done by experienced instructors, and identifying the discrepancies for technique correction and improvement. (B) An example of analyzing “axe kick” and comparing one person's motion to another.

Figure 5

Distal radius fracture model arm and exterior processing and computing hardware in use during a trial reduction and casting experiment.

Figure 6

Graphical user interface (GUI) of the distal radius fracture model. Left panel depicts the previously captured simulated fluoroscopy that updates the fluoroscopic view as the reduction occurs in real time. Radiopaque alignment rods come pre-installed on each Sawbones model to qualitatively guide reduction efficacy. Right panel depicts internal hardware location within the arm—the Force Sensitive Linear Potentiometer (FSLP) and an absolute orientation sensor to track reduction angle (BNUO055 IMU)—as well as the clinician force localization along the FLSP and the magnitude of force applied via a continually updating heatmap bar. “Calibrate” button is used to zero the FLSP and orientation sensor prior to casting. “Finish” button is used to close the casting trial, export FLSP and orientation sensor data to a spreadsheet, and return to GUI main menu where another trial can be initiated.

Figure 7

The Rapid Liquid 3D printer setup.