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