Research Areas

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

How does bone and joint remodeling associated with degeneration develop and can this be controlled to reduce disability?

Can biomaterials remodel tissue and organs regeneration in humans?

How does AI-integrated modelling can improve the diagnosis and treatment?

Major Research Areas

Orthopaedic biomechanics and biomaterials:
Experimental approaches to investigate biomechanics of bone and joint; biomechanical examinations of lumbar interbody fusion, new artificial intervertebral disc design and shape memory alloy in spine surgery. Finger fracture fixations, flexor tendon injuries and sports injuries biomechanics; biomechanics of total hip replacement; fixation implant design and development; biomechanical evaluation of biomaterials; cell biomechanics and micro/ nano-biomechanics. Biomaterials for clinical applications; novel bone substitutes and micro- or nano-biomaterials; bioactive bone cement development.

Molecular and cellular physiology and regenerative tissue modelling:
Nobel animal models of musculoskeletal disorders; experimental scoliosis; genetics of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis; gene functions in articular and intervertebral joints; proteoglycan metabolism in skeletal tissues. Bone healing and fracture repair; genetic profiles of bone tumours and cell-biomaterial interfacial biology. Developing disease-modifying agents for treating joint degeneration; programming stem cells or progenitors for joint regeneration; role of fibrosis and its control in tissue repair and mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies.

Clinical data-driven AI modelling in orthopaedics:
Big data centre for large-scale population-based and epidemiological studies (back pain, disc degeneration, scoliosis); scoliosis screening; surgical outcomes and predictive modeling; risk factor assessment and prediction; novel imaging analytical models; 3D image reconstruction; AI biomarker fast-screening; "omics" modelling and analyses; data capturing and complex regressions; personalised modelling; clinical patient and surgeon outcome medical models. Investigator initiated translational research projects with industry collaboration including, 1) design, development, validation and regulatory application of novel osteoporotic fracture fixation devices; 2) AI software development for machine learning based segmentation of bone models and bone biomechanics; 3) design and validation of 3D printed AI tools and implants. Areas include automated and accurate bone modelling allowing fast 3D geometry development; novel point clouds trabecular bone simulation engine providing new tool for robust implant failing simulations and new implant designs; 3D modelling and printing for personalised medicine i.e. pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance for advanced trauma, spine and joint operations.

Clinical neurophysiology and neural engineering in orthopaedics:
Neurophysiological detection, neuroimaging, and neurorehabilitation in orthopaedics and spinal disorders; bioelectrical engineering and biomedical devices in orthopaedics.

Chairman of Departmental Research Postgraduate Committee

Professor W.W. Lu
Tel: 3917 9593
Email: wwlu@hku.hk / donnalm@hku.hk