This module will provide the student with an understanding of the role of mechanics and structure in orthopaedic tissue at both the organ and cellular level. The student will gain an insight of the structure of bone from the micro scale through to the macro-scale level, across all the musculoskeletal tissues (from the major bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments etc). The module will detail the mechanical properties, structure properties, development, and kinematics for each of these musculoskeletal tissues. This knowledge will provide the foundations of the student's understanding for the synergistic role of these tissues in the normal function of the joints, from an engineering, clinical, and commercial point-of-view. Finally, the student will learn about design of lower-limb replacement devices, how they fail, the prevention of this failure based on design alterations. Overall, this module will provide an understanding of orthopaedic biomechanics through engineering-based problems of the major joints within the body and how the forces/mechanics and tissues a replacement medical device needs to mimic and ultimately replace.

The module will first Introduce Orthopaedic Biomechanics by detailing the history of Biomechanics in the context of research and give past and present examples of applications of Biomechanics. The module will highlight the key differences between engineering and 'bio'-engineering throughout, and the importance of understanding that biological tissue is 'alive' and responsive to mechanics - i.e. cellular mechanobiology. The module will briefly detail the biology of the cell, the role of cells in tissue development, and how cells respond to mechanical environment and stimulation. The module will delve into the development, Anatomy, and Composition of Musculoskeletal Tissues Such as; Bone, Cartilage, Skeletal Muscle, Ligament, and Tendon. Next, it is important to understand the mechanical and structural Properties of these same Musculoskeletal Tissues. The mechanical responses of soft and hard biological tissues, Review of Mechanical testing of biological tissues (e.g., Tension, compression, and 3-point bend, mechanical behaviour of specific tissues (i.e., bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament, and tendon). This is followed by the solving of Biomechanics based problems of Joints and Muscles (e.g., Hip, Knee, Elbow, Shoulder, and/or Spine.) Diseases and Failure of Musculoskeletal tissues will be discussed in particular with bone and Cartilage diseases and progression, Fracture Repair and Remodelling of Bone, and Cartilage tissue remodelling. Medical Devices for Hip and Knee Joints A history and Overview of Replacement Devices, design and material considerations for replacement devices, and mechanical and failure properties of devices for these types of diseases. The future of Orthopaedic Biomechanics will be discussed with topics such as Tissue Engineering, 3D Printing, Gait Analysis, Biomarkers, and Artificial Intelligence.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to, 1. Describe the development, composition, anatomy of musculoskeletal tissues (i.e. bone, cartilage, ligament and tendon) within the human body. 2. Characterise the mechanical behaviour of musculoskeletal tissues using the principles of engineering mechanics and using uniaxial mechanical test systems (i.e. tension, compression or 3-point bend). 3. Calculate the joint and muscle forces within the major joints of the body using engineering-based problem solving. 4. Write collaborative technical report(s) evaluating cutting-edge research in literature, and experimental findings using correct formatting provided.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to, 1. Appreciate the importance of mechanical behaviour in the initiation and progression of musculoskeletal-specific disease.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to, 1. Learn and apply basic and responsible laboratory techniques in the preparation, handling and mechanical testing of biological tissues.

A series of lectures will be employed to present the main concepts/topics of the module. These lectures will be inter-linked and follow a logical rational flow. The module will utilise a blended learning approach lectures will be flipped to ensure collaborative, proactive student engagement. Graduate attributes will be developed through a learning process that will be developed through a student-led discussions that are chosen based on the latest research studies. The latest technology enhanced learning tools such as Panopto, sli.do, and SULIS will be used to deliver content.