Ultrasound shear wave elastography for knee collateral ligaments and intervertebral discs

The goal of this project is to help understand how patient descriptions of joint pain and disability relate to the mechanical properties of joint tissues to better design solutions for patients. This project will focus on developing ultrasound methods to quantitatively measure the biomechanical properities and function of human joint soft-tissue. The project will start by applying existing working algorithms that use ultrasound shear wave elastography to measure strain and mechanical properties, with a focus on collateral ligaments in the knee. During the project, the research will broaden to include a novel application of the method for intervertebral discs. This will introduce the use of the technology in the spine in Canada, and further characterize it’s use in the knee, improving the research capabilities of both groups in Canada and the UK. Longer term goals from this work are centered around the health and economic benefits of decreased joint pain.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stewart McLachlin

Student:

Partner:

Imperial College London

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: