PhD Optimised Placement of Orthopaedic Staples – Image-Based Finite Element Modelling and Structural Optimisation

Project Description

Orthopaedic staples are widely used to fix bones and joints in foot and ankle surgery, for example in arthrodesis (joint fusion) and osteotomy procedures. Yet how many staples to use, which material to choose, and where and at what orientation to place them is still decided largely by surgical convention rather than by quantified biomechanical evidence. Sub-optimal choices can lead to loss of compression, implant loosening, delayed healing or revision surgery. This fully funded PhD offers the opportunity to bring advanced computational mechanics to bear on a real clinical problem, working closely with a practising orthopaedic surgeon.

The project

You will develop image-based finite element (FE) models of the foot and ankle from open-access CT data and use them to understand how staple configuration governs fixation stability and compression under physiological loading. The research will explore how staple material – superelastic nitinol, titanium and stainless steel – together with the number, orientation and position of staples affects fixation performance, and will apply structural optimisation to identify the most effective configurations. Model predictions will be benchmarked against published data, and the findings translated into clinically meaningful placement guidance. The detailed research direction will be developed together with the student.

Why this PhD

• Work at the interface of engineering and medicine. The project is led by Dr George Vasdravellis (Heriot-Watt University) and supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in biomedical engineering, structural optimisation and clinical orthopaedic surgery (NHS Forth Valley).

• Develop skills that are highly transferable to academia and the medical-technology sector: nonlinear FE analysis, image-based modelling, constitutive modelling of shape-memory alloys, optimisation, scientific programming and high-performance computing.

• Benefit from mentoring by industry partner Resolis Limited, which also contributes supplemental funding.

• Receive an enhanced stipend and a dedicated research training support grant covering specialist software, computing and international conference attendance.

• Join Heriot-Watt University’s Global Research Institute in Health & Care Technologies.

The candidate

We are looking for a motivated and curious graduate in mechanical, civil/structural, biomedical or aerospace engineering, or a related discipline, who is keen to apply computational mechanics to healthcare. Experience with FE analysis and programming is an advantage; prior knowledge of anatomy or biomechanics is not required, as training will be provided.

Eligibility:

This project is open to candidates who are eligible for home (UK) fee status only.

• A first or upper-second class (2:1) UK honours degree, or equivalent, in mechanical, civil/structural, biomedical or aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline (e.g. applied mathematics, physics). A relevant master’s degree is desirable.

• Experience with finite element analysis and/or scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB) is desirable.

Funding

This project is funded by an EPSRC scholarship which will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and provide an enhanced stipend (£23,805 in 2026-27) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

How to Apply

1. To apply you must complete our online application form.
2. Please select PhD Civil Engineering as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (EGIS2026SLA-GV) and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.
3. Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.
4. If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies. For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.

Enquiries:

Please contact Dr George Vasdravellis (G.Vasdravellis@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2026.

Applicants must be available to start in January 2027.

References:

Fischer, M.C.M. (2023). Database of segmentations and surface models of bones of the entire lower body created from cadaver CT scans. Scientific Data, 10, 763. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02669-z.