Rotator cuff tears in the human shoulder

Summary A/Prof Ackland’s Orthopaedic Biomechanics group investigates the human musculoskeletal system and surgical procedures to restore function in conditions such as osteoarthritis

Project Details

A/Prof Ackland’s Orthopaedic Biomechanics group investigates the human musculoskeletal system, and surgical procedures to restore function in conditions such as osteoarthritis, tumour resection, congenital abnormalities and trauma. We have established expertise in experimental and computational approaches to examining the structure and function of bones and joints including those of the jaw, neck, hip, knee, shoulder and foot.

Rotator cuff tears remain one of the most common causes of joint instability and dysfunction in the human shoulder, yet the function of the rotator cuff tears in stabilising the shoulder are frequently debated. The aim of this project is to evaluate function of the shoulder in the presence of progressive rotator cuff tears, and to evaluate the capacity of surgical repair of torn tendon in restoring joint behaviour. The aim will be achieved using state-of-the-art cadaveric testing and motion experiments to examine joint motion, joint space volume and impingement of the humerus on the acromion – a mechanism thought to exacerbate rotator cuff tearing and joint dysfunction. The project outcomes will provide new information on the roles of the rotator cuff muscles and guide surgical technique in rotator cuff reconstruction. This Honours project will involve close collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons from Epworth Healthcare. Prior knowledge of engineering is not required; however, an understanding of musculoskeletal shoulder anatomy will be very useful.