Week 7

This last week I mostly worked on my project. I was able to have a better understanding of it and to obtain the results. I was able to help on the research process. The implants consisted of a stain steel cylinders of 25 mm long and 5 mm in diameter. The self-assembled monolayer of phosphonate molecules (SAMP) monolayers with a 2-nm thicknesses were created on the stainless steel implants. The implants were placed by a surgeon into the each rabbits’s femur and x-rays were taken. The left femurs implants had SAMP monolayes and the right femurs had only stainless steel implants. After euthanasia, both femurs were excised, and all the soft tissues were removed. Mediolateral and anteroposterio high-resolution x-rays of each specimen were taken. The specimens were then dehydrated on a crescent concentration of ethanol solution and embedded on resin. The specimens were immersed in formalin, 70% alcohol, 90% alcohol, followed by n-propanol and xylene solutions. Each specimen was placed in each solution for approximately three days.

After the dehydration process was completed the each femurs was cut with IsoMet ® 1000 Precision Saw. Using the IsoMet®, each femur was cut at the three different positions: at the middle, at positions 7.0 mm, and 15 mm. Both hands were used for the first cut; later cuts were made by programing the machine. The metal implant was cut at position 7mm and 15mm. The optimal speed was 150 rpm.After cutting each individual femur, they were characterized by using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), histology studies and mechanical testing.
Subproject
In order to calculate the displacement of the vertebra, a human lumbar spine of a three years old male cadaver was used. Saline solution was used to keep it hydrated. Clay was placed at each end of the vertebra and a metal platform was screwed. A total of 10 rod pins with reflector tape at the end of each rod. The vertebra was placed in the Bionix ®EM Test System.

The clinical summer immersion program at Weill Medical College of Cornell University was a transforming experience. It was able to give me a clear understanding of how people’s lives are impacted through my PhD research. Each surgery and rounds that I attended made a change in my personal career. At the end of the seven weeks, I was able to understand the vocabulary that medical doctors used. Also, I was highly impressed with the advance technology that the HSS and Weill Cornell Medical College are using to improve people’s health.