About:

The IBDMS Center was established in 1998 as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) that focuses on research and education in bioengineering. The center integrates programs and expertise from the Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado at Denver and the Colorado VA Research Center across a range of disciplines including engineering, materials and medicine.

IBDMS has become an international center for the development of mathematical modeling of the musculoskeletal system, in vivo implant and normal joint imaging and measurement, bionic orthopaedics, sports medicine, human sensory augmentation, human amplifiers (exoskeletons), and smart orthoses. Additionally, through the efforts of this center, major and minor programs in bioengineering and biotechnology are being established at both the CSM graduate and undergraduate levels.

Mission:

The Center's mission is to enhance the quality of life for people suffering from joint dysfunction by introducing intelligent bioengineering solutions resulting from research in modeling, analysis, design optimization, integrating biomaterials, feedback control, and assistive sensory devices. Through innovative research and interdisciplinary education, IBDMS will educate a new generation of bioengineers.

Research:

IBDMS research expertise includes the following:

• Advanced implant design
• In vivo fluoroscopic imaging of joint motions
• Kinematic and kinetic analysis of joints with and without implants
• Advanced biocompatible materials
• Micro-electromechanical (MEM) sensors and actuators
• Artificial sensory system for diabetic patients
• Spinal injuries and implants
• Modeling and simulation of musculoskeletal system
• Implant simulator - knee, hip, and TMJ simulators
• Automatic control and Artificial Intelligence
  

Examples of current research projects are described below:

Development of a Self-Powered Telemetric Knee

The telemetric knee is being developed with the intent of measuring patellofemoral and tibiofemoral forces in vivo. The device is implanted in place of the patella during a TKA, and measures the magnitude and location of the patellofemoral force. Data is transmitted from the knee to an electronic receiver located a few feet from the subject. The data is then applied to a kinematic model of the knee and the tibiofemoral forces are resolved. Current progress includes a completed force transducer and implant design. Working prototypes of the transmitter and on-board power generator have been completed and are being scaled down to fit the implant. Development of a transmitter/receiver/data processing system is in progress. This technology introduces a new approach to self-powering prostheses and will provide application of micro-sensor technology for in-vivo measurements of joint forces and motion.

Knee Simulator

 

The Development of an Insole for Diabetic Patients with the Loss of Protective Sensation

The goal of this research is to develop an ambulatory device that will enable diabetic patients to continue their activities of daily living and inform the user of any risk of ulceration. This goal is not unique to the research, but the approach is novel. Many studies have found a correlation between plantar pressure and areas of ulceration. The most common sites of ulcers on the diabetic patient's foot are located where highest plantar pressure is manifested. Another indicator of ulceration is temperature. Temperature has been shown in research to be a successful indicator of the formation of plantar ulcers. Plantar temperatures remain a much less explored variable of interest for use as a diagnostic tool.

Thermal Image and Shoe Inserts

 

The Development and Implementation of a Motion Tracking Fluoroscopy System

Fluoroscopic imaging can be described as video x-raying. Instead of producing an image to film, a sequence of images is captured to video. This project will focus on the development of a motion tracking fluoroscopy system to engineer an improved research tool for the joint motion observation and analysis. It will incorporate closed loop controls, which monitor patient motion, and instruct the fluoroscopy unit to move accordingly. The objectives of the project are to to expand the capabilities of a conventional fluoroscopy unit by increasing its range of motion, allow capturing views in both frontal and sagittal planes with possible vertical movement, and improvement of the accuracy in joint motion representation.

Proposed Motion Tracking Fluoroscopy Design

 

Development of the Wrist Reaction Forces during a Golf Swing

3D Mathematical Model of the Ankle Joint Using Kane's Method

 

Contact Us:

Professor Joel M. Bach

Associate Professor, Engineering Division

Associate Director, Bioengineering and Life Sciences

Director, IBDMS Center
Colorado School of Mines
1610 Illinios Street, Brown Hall Rm314A
Golden, CO 80401
303-384-2161
jmbach@mines.edu