Bone-Anchored Devices that Permanently Pass Through the Skin to Maximize Amputee Function

A common orthopedic approach to recreating damaged joints is to securely attach a metal implant to the patient’s own bone, a process known as osseointegration. Our research explores a new approach by engineering percutaneous osseointegration devices, in which the metal implant that pass permanently through the skin and permit connection to an external prosthetic limb when desired. The connection can not only be accomplished easily as needed; it also improves the function of the prosthesis. Continue reading → Bone-Anchored Devices that Permanently Pass Through the Skin to Maximize Amputee Function

Research Statement

Kent N. Bachus received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University in 1983, his Master of Science degree in Bioelectrics/Bioengineering from the University of Michigan in 1985, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering from the University of Utah in 1989. He joined the faculty of the Department of Orthopaedics in 1994 and serves as the Director of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. He is a Research Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and holds academic appointments in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He reviews for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Journal of Trauma, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, and the Journal of Biomaterials and others. His society memberships include the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Society for Biomaterials, the North American Spine Society, and the American Society for Testing and Materials. His research interests include the design and development of percutaneous osseointegrated implants for amputees, establishing and maintaining infection-free dermal-barriers for percutaneous devices, prevention and treatment of traumatic injuries, bone and soft tissue biomechanics, human and animal joint kinematics, and spine biomechanics.