ABC-ANZORS 2024: Where Biomechanics meets biology in orthopaedics
November 30th – December 4th 2024 | Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne
From November 30th to December 4th, Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne played host to the ABC-ANZORS 2024 Conference, a groundbreaking event that marked the inaugural Combined Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Biomechanics (ANZSB) and the Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society (ANZORS).
This year’s theme, “Biomechanics Meets Biology in Orthopaedics,” highlighted the convergence of diverse disciplines and the latest innovations in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research. The conference brought together clinicians, engineers, biologists, human movement scientists, and researchers from across Australia and New Zealand to explore new frontiers in the field.
Innovative Themes and Groundbreaking Research
ABC-ANZORS 2024 featured dynamic sessions that showcased the breadth and depth of musculoskeletal research, including:
Clinical Biomechanics & Orthopaedics
Sports & Injury
Medical Imaging
Musculoskeletal Modelling & Simulation
Sensors, Wearables, and Emerging Technologies
Locomotion and Human Movement
Musculoskeletal Biology & Engineering
Orthopaedic Biomechanics
These thematic sessions provided a rich platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, addressing both fundamental and applied aspects of biomechanics and biology in orthopaedics.
Highlighting Exceptional Contributions
The conference was a proud moment for our team, with outstanding presentations by members showcasing their pioneering research:
- Maxence Lavaill: Spatial tracking of the shoulder bones using optical motion capture and 3D ultrasound: a simulation and cadaveric study.
- Saulo Martelli: Onlay-Grammont hybrid design increases humeral implant stiffness but not fracture load in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
- Wolbert van den Hoorn: Neural drive to the deltoid segments in healthy shoulders.
- Natalia Mühl Castoldi: Experimental-computational platform to study cortical bone remodelling .
- Corinna Modiz: Analysis of bone mineralisation using discrete and continuous models of bone remodelling.
- Natali Uribe: A parametric finite-element model of the femur spanning the entire adulthood.
- Simon Heinrich (Visitor from FAU): Optimal control simulation of full hand flexion movements exploiting optical marker tracking.
Our poster presenters, François Bruyer-Montéléone and Maggie-May Hornigold, also contributed valuable insights to the conference.
A Keynote to remember
Dr. Bart Bolsterlee’s keynote, “Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging to study skeletal muscle during childhood development”, captivated the audience, exemplifying the intersection of biomechanics and imaging in understanding musculoskeletal function and development.
Community and Connection
Social events like the Welcome Reception, Women’s Breakfast, and the ANZSB Student and EMCR Night provided opportunities to build connections and celebrate the community’s achievements. The Networking Afternoon at Abbotsford Convent and the Conference Dinner were perfect moments to reflect on a week of inspiration and collaboration.
Looking Forward
ABC-ANZORS 2024 was an inspiring event, underscoring the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing biomechanics and orthopaedic research. We thank the organisers and participants for their incredible efforts and look forward to the next chapter.
