Randy Ching, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering (Applied Biomechanics Lab)
E-mail: rc@u...


TITLE:

"Disc (Nucleus) Replacement in the Lumbar Spine"


ABSTRACT:

Randal P. Ching, Ph.D. is a Research Associate Professor in Mechanical
Engineering at the University of Washington with adjunct appointments to
the Departments of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Bioengineering.
He currently serves as Director of the UW Applied Biomechanics Laboratory
(ABL).  One of the ABL’s main research thrusts has been to characterize the
mechanics and injury tolerance of the pediatric cervical spine to support the
development of child crash-test dummies, computational models, and improved
safety standards.  In addition to its federally sponsored research program, the
ABL is also actively engaged in industry-sponsored research projects which
involve the testing and evaluation of orthopedic medical implants.  Previous
work concentrated on the biomechanics of total hip replacement components.
More recently, the growing demand for spinal arthroplasty devices has
refocused the ABL’s industry partnerships and testing towards the evaluation
of prosthetic intervertebral disc implants and lumbar facet arthroplasty devices.
This week’s seminar will highlight some of the biomechanical testing that has
been done in this area.