Abstract

In this presentation Dr Sutcliffe will describe a series of collaborations that he has had over the past few years with veterinary and medical colleagues, focussing on mechanical testing of various joints. Projects include: (i) assessing the strength of different loop configurations for canine lateral fabella sutures, (ii) measuring the strength of extensor tendor repairs in hands, (iii) determining stabilisation of feline talocrural injuries, (iv) developing apparatus to load canine knees transversely, (v) measuring stiffness of canine tibia fixation plate repair, (vi) modelling of human tibia fixation plates.

A common theme running through these projects is that experience gained with the principles of testing and analysis methods from traditional engineering materials testing can be applied to a wide range of veterinary situations. The diversity of relatively small projects described showcase the sorts of expertise that the Engineering Department can provide, either through Dr Sutcliffe or by collaboration with MEng project students. A critical requirement is to ensure that the’ownership’ of the test method is joint, so that both the engineer and the clinical partner are happy with the test methods.