Professor Ben Hillberry is leading the efforts to design spinal implants that will more accurately recreate the body's natural movements. The design is being achieved through testing implants in both the lower back and neck regions, and using that data to develop a complex computer model ("spine simulator") that better replicates the range of motion found in the human body.

The work is being done in conjunction with Archus Orthopedics Inc., a company in Redmond, Washington. "The application of three-dimensional computational models, such as the one being developed at Purdue, will enable companies like Archus to reduce the cost of developing implants and increase the speed of new product realization," says Jorge Ochoa, vice president of research and development and chief technology officer at Archus Orthopedics.

Professor Eric Nauman and his team are also working on the project, which will have an impact on patients with spinal osteoporosis, curvature of the spine, arthritis, and damage from injury.

More details on this work can be found at the University News Service website.