AMY L. LERNER
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering & Orthopaedics
Goergen 307
Phone: (585) 275-7847
Fax: (585) 276-1999
amlerner@me.rochester.edu
Ph.D., University of Michigan (1996), B.S., University of Delaware (1990)
Please visit also my BME faculty page.
My main research interest is orthopaedic biomechanics, specificaally, the biomechanics of bone growth and development and medical image based modeling of knee mechanics.
My current focus is on the influence of mechanical forces on long bone growth. For example, there are many pediatric conditions in which abnormal loads appear to cause alterations in normal growth patterns leading to joint deformities. If we can understand the relationships between bone growth and mechanical stresses,we may be able to clinically predict appropriate treatments for these pediatric orthopaedic disorders. Current studies include an experimental model altering mechanical forces in the knee, coupled with a finite element model of the proximal tibia growth plate and histological analysis of chondrocyte morphology. In order to better understand the influence of mechanics on bone growth, we must also understand the mechanical behavior of growth plate tissue - a complex material from an engineering perspective. This tissue is a very dynamic biological structure, which is also a highly organized composite exhibiting non-linear material properties. By systematically trying to model and measure its properties, we may also develop techniques relevant to the study of other engineering materials.
In addition to the complexity of the growth plate tissue, the anatomical structures of most bones and joints present challenges for engineering modeling. To address this challenge, our approach has been to develop finite element models based on three-dimensional medical images, such as those from micro-computed tomography or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Although these models may be automatically generated, they often require the development of new finite element analysis tools. Nonetheless, this approach allows us to easily and accurately define the geometry of the model, thereby focusing our efforts on other aspects of the problem, such as the material properties, or loading conditions. Current studies involve collaborations with the Departments of Radiology and Electrical and Computer Engineering to study the kinematics of the normal and ACL-deficient knee joint. One novel approach is the development of a device to apply anterior loads to the tibia within the MR scanner to study the role of the meniscus and other passive restraints in stabilizing the knee. MR images are automatically segmented to provide geometry and kinematic input for finite element modeling.
Representative Publications
1. Predicting regional variations in trabecular bone mechanical properties within the human proximal tibia using MR imaging. Bone. Lancianese SL Kwok E Beck CA Lerner AL (2008 Sep 15).
2. Magnetic resonance image analysis of meniscal translation and tibio-menisco-femoral contact in deep knee flexion. Yao J Lancianese SL Hovinga KR Lee J Lerner AL (2008 Apr 08). J Orthop Res. 26, 673-84.
3. Sensitivity of tibio-menisco-femoral joint contact behavior to variations in knee kinematics. Yao J Salo AD Lee J Lerner AL (2008 Jan 21). J Biomech. 41, 390-8.
4. Micro-computed tomography prediction of biomechanical strength in murine structural bone grafts. Reynolds DG Hock C Shaikh S Jacobson J Zhang X Rubery PT Beck CA O'keefe RJ Lerner AL Schwarz EM Awad HA (2007 Oct 15). J Biomech. 40, 3178-86.
5. Sensitivities of medial meniscal motion and deformation to material properties of articular cartilage, meniscus and meniscal attachments using design of experiments methods.Yao J Funkenbusch PD Snibbe J Maloney M Lerner AL (2006 May 18). J Biomech Eng. 128, 399-408.
6. Design in BME: challenges, issues, and opportunities. Lerner AL Kenknight BH Rosenthal A Yock PG (2006 Mar 31). Ann Biomed Eng. 34, 200-8.
7. Stresses and strains in the medial meniscus of an ACL deficient knee under anterior loading: a finite element analysis with image-based experimental validation.Yao J Snibbe J Maloney M Lerner AL (2006 Mar 14). J Biomech Eng. 128, 135-41.
8. Effects of Childhood Obesity on Three-Dimensional Knee Joint Biomechanics During Walking. Gushue, David L MS*; Houck, Jeff PT, PhD*+; Lerner, Amy L PhD*. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 25(6):763-768, November/December 2005.
9. Rabbit Knee Joint Biomechanics: Motion Analysis and Modeling of Forces during Hopping. Gushue, D.L., Houck, J.R., and Lerner. A.L. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 23(4): 735-742, 2005.
