Elise Morgan

Bone Quantity and Bone Quality in Osteoarthritis

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Osteoarthritis has typically been viewed as the outcome of wear and tear on our joints, resulting in large-scale loss of cartilage and pain. Recent data challenge this view by indicating that chronic inflammation of joint tissues and remodeling of bone, and not only mechanical abrasion, contribute to the progression of the disease. While the changes in bone density that occur in osteoarthritis have been documented, very few studies have examined whether and how the mechanical competence of the bone tissue, termed “bone quality”, changes as well. Defining the effect of osteoarthritis on bone quality is important for understanding how the disease affects the mechanical performance of the joint and the erosion of cartilage.

LEARNING GOALS
• Read a pre-defined set of scientific articles on bone density, “bone quality”, and mechanical properties.
• Identify and read scientific articles that can relate these concepts to the condition of osteoarthritis.
• Write a succinct, integrated review of these two sets of articles.
• Learn the underlying principles of nanoindentation.
• Gain hands-on experience with nanoindentation.
• Develop an understanding of relationships among mechanical properties at multiple length scales.
• Gain experience with giving technical presentations.

Learn more about Professor Morgan’s work at her lab website.