Ongoing Research Projects:
Mechanobiology of Palatal Shelf Elevation
Clefts of palate are the most common craniofacial anomalies among birth defects. Orofacial clefts occur as part of >400 syndromes or as isolated cases. Isolated or non-syndromic cleft palate (CP) with or without cleft lip alone occur in approximately 1/1200 births worldwide and have a complex etiology, including both genetic and environmental (biochemical and biomechanical) factors, that is poorly understood. Although the anatomy and biology of palate development has been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying vertical to horizontal palate elevation remain enigmatic. This research is developing pioneering FEA models of embryonic palate tissues and determine appropriate material models and material properties. We are determining the merit of this modeling approach with specimen-specific validation by sequential/longitudinal specimen-specific in utero MRI data sets. This work will improve understanding of embryonic tissue growth and interactions with the mechanical environment that promote or inhibit PS elevation.
Mechanobiology of Palatal Shelf Elevation
MRI Based Joint Biomechanics Research
Damage or natural wear on tissues associated with joints within the hand and wrist can cause injuries such as scapholunate dissociation (SL ligament disruption) or osteoarthritis (OA). Trauma such as these can cause changes in joint kinematics and contact patterns, which can lead to worsening injuries. The relationship between consequent abnormal mechanics and the onset of osteoarthritis (OA) is not clearly understood, however elevated joint contact pressure is believed to be an associated factor. Knowing how injuries affect joint physiology and mechanics and how well surgical repairs restore the mechanics may improve surgical efficacy and help predict OA risk. The first objective of this research is to gain insight into the relationship between contact mechanics and injury severity. Another objective of this research is to compare radiocarpal joint mechanics from injured wrists to contralateral controls and also injured versus surgically repaired wrists using MRI-based contact modeling primarily. Finite element (FE) modeling is also used to investigate 3D stresses and strains from cartilage surface to subchondral bone. We are also evaluating the biochemical status of the cartilage in these joints using MR imaging.