Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Toronto, 1998. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Toronto, 1998. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Toronto, 1995. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering." Includes bibliographical references (p. 132-136).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Toronto, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references.

Propionibacterium sp. is commonly isolated in association with orthopedic implants, either as a pathogen or a colonizer. Microbial characteristics that indicate whether the isolated species is a likely cause of orthopedic implant infection versus a colonizing agent would be clinically useful. We performed a prospective trial to determine the species of Propionibacterium and the phylotype (IA, IB, II, III) of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from the surface of removed orthopedic implants, and we correlated these findings with the presence or absence of infection. P. acnes represented 61 of 62 isolates. P. acnes type I was more commonly isolated than was type II (62% versus 38%, respectively), whether associated with infection or not. P. acnes type III was not detected. There was no clear association between types I and II P. acnes and infection or colonization of failed orthopedic implants (P = 0.75), however type IB strains were more frequently isolated than type IA from infected prosthese.

The static strength and long-term performance of composite hip prostheses under complex mechanical and environmental loading conditions are studied through theoretical modelling and experimental investigations. Two static strength models, namely, a cantilever beam model and an elastic foundation model, were developed using a strength of materials approach, and were transformed into an operating computer code which can be used for stress analysis and engineering design of composite prostheses. The predictions of the two models are shown to be in very good agreement with experimental data. A dynamic, mechanistic cumulative damage model that is capable of predicting the residual strength and life of a composite prosthesis under cyclic loading was also developed, based on a 'Critical Element Model' and the static strength models, and was transformed into an operating computer code. The predictions by the dynamic model are, in general, within engineering accuracy when compared to the experimental data. A test fixture was designed to perform fatigue tests on the composite prostheses. A total of nine prostheses were fatigue tested. Several nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques were used to assess fatigue damage development in the specimens tested. Among all the NDE techniques used, x-ray radiography and a surface replication technique were shown to be most effective qualitatively. Destructive tests were also performed on selected specimens, the results are complimentary to the information obtained from the NOE tests. / Master of Science

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

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