Engineering Research Institute: Monthly Seminar - Benedikt Helgason

Engineering Research Institute: Monthly Seminar in VR II, room 148.

Title: Classifying hip fractures in the elderly population using image based computer models.

Speaker: Dr. Benedikt Helgason is a tenured senior scientist at the Institute for Biomechanics, at the ETH-Zurich. He leads a research group that studies Bone Pathologies and Treatments.

Abstract: Osteoporosis is one of the chronic diseases that significantly impacts the elderly population. It is characterized by reduced bone mass, resulting in increased bone fragility and increased fracture risk with age. Of all fracture types that are attributed to osteoporosis, hip fracture have the most significant socioeconomic impact. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements derived from DXA scans are the current standard in terms of screening for hip fracture risk. However, BMD lacks sensitivity and specificity for reliably finding ‘at-risk’ individuals. Developing techniques that address the limitations of the current standard of screening is urgent in the face of a rapidly aging population.

 In this lecture recent developments in image based computer models for studying these injuries will be presented. Validation of these models against ex vivo lab data as well as validation against the AGES Reykjavik Study cohort will be reported.  

The seminar will be in english.

Please register for this seminar. Light refreshments will be served.