Joel Bach, Ph.D. - Director

Housed at the new Anschutz Medical Campus of the University of Colorado Denver, the Biomechanics Lab represents a facility unique in the Rocky Mountain Region. The state-of-the-art facilities at the lab encompass computer modeling, biomechanical testing, device fabrication and evaluation, and surgical simulation. The lab performs research in all areas of orthopaedic biomechanics. Additionally, strong collaborations exist between the Biomechanics Lab and other labs and academic institutions worldwide. The strongest collaborations are with the Colorado School of Mines via their Bioengineering and Life Sciences Program and the IBDMS Center.

Facilities & Equipment

Facilities
5,740 Sq. Ft. mixed laboratory, machine shop, and freezer space
2,200 Sq. Ft. mixed laboratory space, office, and meeting
550 Sq. Ft. dedicated laboratory space

Equipment

Custom Equipment
6-degree-of-freedom servo-pneumatic joint/spine simulator system
Knee Impact Loading Simulator

Materials Testing Systems (Instron)
Model #1321 Biaxial, hydraulically actuated load frame
Model 8500 Linear/Rotary Controller
Model A718-4 Hydraulic Pump
Model 6467-05 Torque/Thrust Cell (5,000 in-lbs torque, 10,000 lbs thrust)
Model #4505 Screw actuated load frame
Model #1000 Screw actuated load Frame

Thin Section Saws (2)

Machine Shop
Taig Desktop CNC Milling Machine
Taig Desktop Lathe
South Bend Lathe
Bridgeport Milling Machines (2)
Drill presses (2)
Band Saws (3)
Famco Press
Grinder
Open Buffer
Delta Belt Sander

Laboratory Equipment
Polariscope (for photoelastic stress and strain measurement)
Sony VO-5600 1/2" Video Player/Recorder
Continuous Still
Power Supplies
Digital Multi-Meters
Knee Impact Loading Simulator
Medtronic and Stryker Surgical Navigation Systems
Tekscan Dynamic Pressure Measurement System

Surgical Equipment
Stryker SE4 Arthroscopy System
Stryker Quantum 3000 Endoscopy System
Dyonics Arthroscopic Surgical System
R. Wolf 2043.50 CO2 Insufflator
Karl Storz Xenon Light Source

Research Projects
Current research projects include:

• Location of optimum flexion-extension axis in the human knee
• Validation and assessment of surgical navigation systems
• Comparison of standard vs. computer navigated techniques in minimally invasive total hip replacement
• Evaluation of total knee replacement implants and ability to restore normal kinematics
• Comparison of fracture fixation hardware
• Accuracy evaluation of 3d models developed from CT images
• Facet joint pressures as a function of spinal instrumentation
• Computer assisted surgical planning
• Comparison of optically and magnetically based surgical navigation systems
• Optimal repair of ACL injuries

Graduate Students

Eric T. Hansen, M.S. (2004)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines, w/Prof. Shoureshi  

Thesis; Development, Calibration, and Evaluation of a Telemetric Transducer for Patellofemoral Force Measurement in a Human Knee

Kerry Jones, M.S. (2006)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines     

Thesis; Development of a Soft Tissue Analog for Use in Cadaveric Knee Brace Testing

Katherine Peeke, M.S. (2007)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines

Thesis; Study of Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty Around a Single Flexion Axis Evaluated for Helical and Conical Axes

Tara N. Holz, M.S. (2007)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines

Thesis; The Extensor Mechanism, Patellofermoral Contact Mechanics, and Kinematics of the Knee in Four Conditions; Healty, ACL Deficient, Implanted PCL Sparing and Sacrificing.

Sara L. Lewandowski, M.S. (2007)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines

Thesis; Development of a Pelvic Reference Frame for Image-Guided Computer-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty

Heather E. Hoops, M.S. (2007)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines

Thesis; The Neruomuscular Response of the Lumbar Spine to Varying Rest Durations Between Cyclic Flexion Periods

Anthony J. Babb, M.S. (2007)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines

Thesis; A Comparative Study of the Anteroposterior, Cylindrical, Posterior Condylar, and Transepicondylar Axes for Femoral Implant Positioning in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Kelly Desens, M.S. (2008)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines

Thesis: In Vivo Prediction of Modular Component Sizing, Orientation, and Range of Motion, for Total Hip Arthroplasty

Jennifer Smith, M.S. (2008)

Engineering Systems, Colorado School of Mines, w/ Prof. Weiss

Thesis;

Jerome Rifkin, M.S. (in progress)

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, w/Prof Carlson         

Thesis; title TBD

Fellows

Kazayoshi Gamada, Ph.D., (2003 – 2005)

Lance Snyder, M.D., w/Dr. E. McCarty

KG Swan, M.D., w/Dr. E. McCarty

Dave Rabalais, M.D., w/Dr. E. McCarty

Brian Kerr, M.D., w/Dr. E. McCarty

Brett Gibson, M.D., w/Dr. E. McCarty

Kevin Honig, M.D., w/Dr. E. McCarty

Orthopaedic Residents

Kareem Sobky, M.D., w/Dr. J. Wolf

Mike Repine, M.D., w/Dr. S. Morgan

Monica Alberts, M.D., w/Dr. S. Morgan

Roger Murkin, M.D., w/Dr. S. Morgan

Laura DiMatteo, M.D., w/Dr. S. Morgan

Hector Mejia, M.D., w/Dr. M. Dayton

Ryan Koonce, M.D., w/Dr. S. Morgan

Jon Bravman, M.D., w/Dr. A. Vidal

Jason Stonebeck, M.D., w/Dr. W. Smith

Medical Students

Brian Tompkins, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Laura DiMatteo, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Edwin Baca, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Cody Hartshorn, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

David Sloss, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Josh Brauer, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Sean Geraghty, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Ramin Alizadeh, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Craig Hogan, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Shilo Gilbert, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Bradley Gustave, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Clifton Hancock, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Mark Winston, w/Dr. D. Eckhoff

Undergraduate Students

Jennifer Cech, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, CU Boulder

Sean Douherty, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, CU Boulder             

Timothy Nicklas, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, CU Boulder

Vanessa Ruedebusch, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Denver University         

Luke Stumme, B.S., Engineering, Colorado School of Mines                        

Laura Borgstede, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University     

Kim Huelson, B.S., Mathematical and Computer Sciences, CSM                 

Tara Doucette, B.S., Kinesiology, CU Boulder, w/Dr. Eckhoff                       

Kyle Smith, B.S., Engineering, Colorado School of Mines                        

Kelly Desens, B.S., Engineering, Colorado School of Mines                        

David Grabski, B.S., Engineering Physics, Colorado School of Mines           

Kaydence Cowley, B.S., Engineering, Lafayette College

Gabriel Peacher, B.S., Spanish, Trinity College                                                 

Recent Publications

Bach, JM; Hull, ML. "Strain of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Increases Linearly with Quadriceps Contraction." Skiing Trauma and Safety: Twelfth Volume, ASTM STP 1345, R. Johnson, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 1999, pp. 94-104.

Keir, PJ; Bach, JM; Rempel, DM."Effect of Computer Mouse Design and Task on Carpal Tunnel Pressure." Ergonomics, Vol. 42, No. 10, 1999, pp. 1350-1360.

McDuffee, LA; Stover, SM; Bach, JM; Taylor, KT. "An In Vitro Biomechanical Investigation of an Equine Interlocking Nail." Veterinary Surgery, Vol. 29, No. 1, 2000, pp. 38-47.

Keir, PJ; Bach, JM. "Flexor Muscle Incursion into the Carpal Tunnel: A Mechanism for Increased Carpal Tunnel Pressure?" Clinical Biomechanics, Vol. 15, No. 5, 2000, pp. 301-305.

Eckhoff, D.G.; Dwyer, T.F.; Bach, J.M.; Spitzer, V.M.; Reining, K.D. "Three-Dimensional Morphology of the Distal Part of the Femur Viewed in Virtual Reality." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol. 83-A, Supplement 2, Part I, 2001, pp. 43-50.

Eckhoff, D.G.; Bach, J.M.; Spitzer, V.M.; Reinig, K.D.; Bagur, M.; Baldini, T; Rubenstein, D; Humphries, S. "3-D Morphology and Kinematics of the Distal Femur Viewed in Virtual Reality: Part II." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol. 85-A, Supplement 4, 2003, pp. 97-104.

Alizadeh RI, Eckhoff DG, Samson MM, Doucette TK, Hogan CA, Bach JM. "Axial and Rotational Alignment of the Leg." Biomed Sci Instrum, Vol. 40, 2004, pp.290-6.

Erickson, M.; Oliver, T.; Baldini, T.; Bach, J.M. "Biomechanical Assessment of Conventional Unit Rod Fixation Versus a Unit Rod Pedicle Screw Construct: A Human Cadaver Study." Spine, Vol 29, No. 12, 2004, pp 1314-1319.

Asundi, KR; Bach, JM; Rempel, DM. "Thumb Force and Muscle Loads Are Influenced by Pipetting Tasks and Pipette Design." Human Factors, Vol. 47, No. 1, 2005, pp. 67-76.

Eilert, RE, Hill, K; Bach, J. "Greater Trochanteric Transfer for the Treatment of Coxa Brevis." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Vol 434, 2005, pp 92-101.

Eckhoff, DG; Bach, JM; Spitzer, VM; Reinig, KD; Bagur, MM; Baldini, TH; Flannery; NMP."Three-Dimensional Mechanics, Kinematics, and Morphology of the Knee Viewed in Virtual Reality." J. Bone Joint Surg. Am., Dec 2005, 87, pp. 71 - 80.

DiGioia, AM; Mor, AB; Jaramaz, B; Bach, JM; Accuracy and Validation for Surgical Navigation Systems.  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Bulletin, Vol 53, No 5, Oct 2005, 10-13.

Robinson, M; Eckhoff, DG; Reinig, KD; Bagur, MM; Bach, JM; Variability of Landmark Identification in Total Knee Arthroplasty; . Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Vol 442, 2006, pp 57-62.

Keir, PJ; Bach, JM; Hudes, M; Rempel, DM; Guidelines for Wrist Posture Based on Carpal Tunnel Pressure Thresholds; Human Factors, Vol 49, No 1, February 2007, pp 88-99.

Eckhoff, D; Hogan, C; DiMatteo, L.; Robinson, M; Bach, J; Difference Between the Epicondylar and Cylindrical Axis of the Knee; Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Vol 461, 2007, pp 238-244.

Rempel, DM; Keir, PJ; Bach, JM; The Effect of Wrist Posture on Carpal Tunnel Pressure while Typing, Journal of Orthopaedic Research, in press.

Stiehl, JB; Bach, J; Heck, HA; Validation and Metrology in CAOS; in Navigation and MIS in Orthopedic Surgery, Stiehl, Konermann, Haaker, DiGioia, Eds.; Springer Medizin Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany, 2007. pp 68-78.