The future of orthopaedics: From smart sensors to 3D printed joints

What happens if you don’t develop healthy cartilage as a youngster? And why do brittle bones plague some of our fittest people?

Thor will answer these questions and introduce you to what the future holds for musculoskeletal tissue injuries and disease – with a particular focus on the revolutionary tools he and his team are developing. Through advances in medical imaging, experimental techniques, and computational modelling, they are uncovering the mysteries of the musculoskeletal system and developing personalised healthcare solutions.

From 3D printed joints customised for an individual’s needs, to using technology to delay joint replacement surgery, this talk will be a gripping insight into the future of orthopaedics.

Bio

Associate Professor Thor Besier joined the University of Auckland’s Bioengineering Institute in 2011 after spending 15 years abroad, including eight years at Stanford University in the Departments of Bioengineering and Orthopaedics. His research combines wearable sensors with medical imaging and computational models to understand the form-function relationship of the musculoskeletal system. He collaborates with clinicians to develop novel health care solutions for orthopaedic and neurological disorders, such as osteoarthritis and stroke. 

Thor has spun-out two companies from his research: IMeasureU, which was recently purchased by UK motion capture company Vicon, and FormusLabs, an orthopaedic modelling software company.

8:00pm @Mezze bar, 9 Durham Street East, Auckland 1010

Also speaking at this location at 6:30pm is Erin Griffey.