Biomedical Engineers Opine On Design Of Allegedly Defective Prosthetic

This case involves the alleged failure of a knee implant in a 63-year-old male patient. The original surgery was successfully completed but the patient experienced excruciating pain and swelling complications for over a year. After 19 months, the prosthesis had to be replaced due to radiographic evidence that the implant was eroding. An expert biomedical engineer with experience in the design of knee implants was sought to review the records and inspect the prosthesis to determine whether or not it was defective.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please discuss your background in biomedical engineering and implant design?

2. Have you ever done research on the wear and potential failure of the design of implants? Please explain.

Expert Witness Response E-035881

I am currently an associate professor of mechanical engineering at a university in the midwest. I regularly publish in the fields of biomedical engineering and musculoskeletal/orthopaedic biomechanics. I have published 65+ manuscripts, 5+ book chapters, 5+ patent applications, 90+ conference proceedings to date. I direct the soft tissue bioengineering laboratory at my university, which is supported by federal funding from national health and science institutions. I teach courses on implant design, and I regularly publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals related to joint/cartilage mechanics, imaging, joint/implant wear, and quantitative implant evaluation. I have conducted research on related implant systems, and on wear/failure of orthopaedic implants and natural joints in general. I teach courses on implant design, and file patents for new engineered materials to replace cartilage.