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MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Improving success of mandibular reconstruction after oral cancer: novel finite element methods for better patient outcomes

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Start date
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
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Overview

Novel medical technologies and innovation in surgical planning can enable significant impacts on clinical practice. Oral cancer is frequently diagnosed at a locally advanced stage, requiring surgery involving reconstruction of both facial and mandibular bones for vital functions of daily living. However, changes in muscular function/ability, can result in weakening of the reconstruction and its capability to withstand forces during chewing. The restorative dental rehabilitation of these patients with implant-supported prostheses is key to improving function, aesthetics and quality of life; however, this requires intact reconstruction of the combined maxilla-mandibular functional unit.

About this opportunity

This project aims to characterise the biomechanical behaviour of these complex mandibular reconstructions to provide an accurate determination of the functional loadings for patient-specific treatments. Using advanced computational modelling and biomechanical simulation (finite element analysis), we will test alterations in surgical design and implant type for improved planning and patient outcomes. We will identify regions at risk of post-operative failure and facilitate improved preoperative patient-specific planning for complex composite defects.

Working directly with surgeons, this project will provide clinically relevant information to prevent failure of restorative prosthesis and improve patient related outcomes, which are otherwise severely negatively impacted following reconstruction compromise.

The student will be trained in quantitative (3D imaging, computational modelling, statistics) and interdisciplinary skills as reflected by the diverse expertise of the supervisory team (clinical, engineering, imaging, anatomy). In addition, the student will receive training in medical-engineering partnerships, cancer, and working within a disadvantaged population.

Benefits of being in the DiMeN DTP:

This project is part of the Discovery Medicine North Doctoral Training Partnership (DiMeN DTP), a diverse community of PhD students across the North of England researching the major health problems facing the world today. Our partner institutions (Universities of Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, York and Sheffield) are internationally recognised as centres of research excellence and can offer you access to state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high impact research.

We are very proud of our student-centred ethos and committed to supporting you throughout your PhD. As part of the DTP, we offer bespoke training in key skills sought after in early career researchers, as well as opportunities to broaden your career horizons in a range of non-academic sectors.

Being funded by the MRC means you can access additional funding for research placements, training opportunities or internships in science policy, science communication and beyond.

Further information on the programme and instructions on how to apply, including a link to the application portal, can be found on our website https://www.dimen.org.uk/

Further reading

References

1. Aftabi H, Zaraska K, Eghbal A, McGregor S, Prisman E, Hodgson A, Fels S. 2024. Computational models and their applications in biomechanical analysis of mandibular reconstruction surgery. Computers in Biology and Medicine 169:107887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107887
2. Brown JS, Lowe D, Kanatas A, Schache A. 2017. Mandibular reconstruction with vascularised bone flaps: a systematic review over 25 years. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 55:113-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjoms.2016.12.010
3. O’Connell JE, Schache AG, Fleming S, Shaw RJ. 2021. Virtual surgical planning in mandibular reconstruction using scapular free flaps: a technical note. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 59:724-725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.09.022
4. Sun Y, Guo Y, Li J, Yang D, Hu K. 2021. Three-dimensional finite element analysis of free fibular flap reconstruction of mandible defects. Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 4:100109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adoms.2021.100109
5. Zhong S, Shi Q, Van Dessel J, Gu Y, Sun Y, Yang S. 2022. Biomechanical validation of structural optimized patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plate orienting additive manufacturing. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine 224:107023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.107023
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Who is this for?

Institutional entry requirements for PhD:

Applicants for postgraduate research study at Liverpool are normally expected to hold a UK first degree with a First Class or Upper Second Class degree classification, or a Second Class degree plus a Master’s degree. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted, and their equivalence will be evaluated on the basis of the information provided by the European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) formerly NARIC as well as internal guidance based on our experience of a qualification’s suitability as a preparation for our programmes.

For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent University of Liverpool acceptable English language qualification. For further details and other acceptable English language qualifications please see here: http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/international/countries/english-language/

This project would be ideal for a candidate with a Bachelors or Masters degree in Anatomy, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or with equivalent relevant expertise.

The University of Liverpool is fully committed to promoting equality and diversity in all activities. The Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences holds a gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    A student on this project will join the Primary Supervisor, Dr Alana Sharp (Dr Alana Sharp | Our people | University of Liverpool), in a diverse research group including students and postdocs working on modelling of surgical interventions, and mechanisms of muscle control and ageing. The Secondary Supervisor, Professor Andrew Schache, Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (Professor Andrew Schache | Our people | University of Liverpool) is a leading clinician in head and neck surgery and will supervise the clinical aspects of this project. The team will also be joined by a third supervisor, Professor Claire Brocket (Professor Claire Brockett | MAC | The University of Sheffield) who is part of a multiscale biomechanics research group at the University of Sheffield.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    How to apply: All applications are made via the application form accessed on the DiMeN website at www.dimen.org.uk/  Please read the full application guidance on the website before submitting an application.

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

    You should only follow this step if you’ve successfully completed the DiMeN application process

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Funding your PhD

Studentships are fully funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) for 4yrs. Funding will cover tuition fees, stipend (£20,780 for 2024/25) and project costs. We have a very small number of funded studentships for exceptional international applicants. Please read additional guidance here: View Website

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Dr Alana Sharp
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