Development of intra and post operative solutions to aid recovery of patients in knee replacement surgeries

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Patients undergoing knee replacement surgeries carry a significant complication rate of around 7 – 10 % including pain, joint swelling, stiffness and hemarthrosis post-operation [1,2].

With over 103,000 primary knee replacements in the UK in 2022 alone [3] the number of yearly patients experiencing complications are significant.

This project aims to develop, test and implement, cost effective, multi-device solutions to address such complications.

The successful candidate will fully investigate the core issues associated with complications post-knee replacement surgery, develop and design solutions including but not limited to customisable rigs to allow knee fixation at determined angles intra and post operation and work with patients to test out the devices and their effectiveness at impacting patient outcomes.

In designing of the customisable knee positioning rigs, the successful candidate will need to consider the wide variety of surgical tools used during knee replacement, ensuring the designed jig can work with the wide variety of tools and surgical robots used.

Careful consideration will need to be taken so that the rig can be customised to fit patients of all sizes, body shapes and abilities.

The design should also be highly cost effective and easy to use and sterilise so as it can be used by a wider variety of surgical teams, be adopted more widely in healthcare settings and the NHS and therefore have a bigger impact on patient outcomes.

The successful candidate will work closely with project partner and sponsor, the Trauma and Orthopaedic Research Charity (TORC) to liaise with expert consultant orthopaedic surgeons throughout the process, ensuring design is clinically relevant, easy to use and appropriate.

Through TORC and Musgrave Park Hospital the successful candidate will trial designed solutions, studying the effects of the designed device(s) and patient outcomes.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

First Class Honours (1st) Degree
Masters at 65%
Work experience relevant to the proposed project
Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) plus a stipend uplift of £4000 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period