The Lab
Passion that inspires
The Macquarie University Translational Orthopaedic Research Lab has a strong focus on improving patient outcomes through research.
The Macquarie University Translational Orthopaedic Research Lab (MQ TOR Lab) has multiple chapters of research. These include advanced biomechanical studies to better understand the shoulder and its pathology, shoulder replacement prosthesis design, 3D computer modelling studies of normal and pathological anatomy, development of improved surgical techniques, as well as the development of novel molecular therapies.
The research program has been awarded research grants totalling $2-5 million to date and has established relationships with industry partners and strong collaborations with many world-renowned research labs in Switzerland, Germany and Canada.
The team has now built the world’s most advanced cadaveric shoulder simulator. This robotic cadaveric shoulder simulator moves just like our shoulder – with six degrees of freedom and eight muscles moving the joint. This sophisticated simulator will greatly advance our understanding of shoulder biomechanics, improve shoulder replacement prosthesis design and allow development of novel surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes. Other applications of the research include customised surgeries, surgical planning and innovation, and insights into optimal rehabilitation after surgery.
In addition to the shoulder simulator, they have also built an extremely advanced in vitro cadaveric hand simulator and are currently in the process of developing an advanced wrist as well as an elbow simulator. Associate Professor Raniga and his team have recently been awarded a significant research grant to translate their innovative simulation technology to the Knee and build the worlds most sophisticated robotic knee simulator.
