Welcome to the Hast Lab
Our laboratory focuses on bone fracture reconstruction and investigates the interplay between mechanical and biological variables that lead to improved healing. To perform this research, we use a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico modeling techniques. Major goals of our research is to develop surgical techniques and novel implants that leverage the principles of mechanotransduction to accelerate bone formation. Our experiments have spanned a wide variety of orthopaedic injuries, with special attention paid to open reduction internal fixation repair strategies.
Our research is focused on fragility fractures caused by osteoporosis: a metabolic bone disorder which primarily affects the elderly, causes bone weakness, and inhibits robust healing responses. Osteoporosis represents an emerging healthcare crisis, as the elderly will comprise 20% of the U.S. population by 2030. Using emergent additive manufacturing technologies, we are currently investigating how resorbable, patient-specific implants may lead to improvements in congruency of bone-implant mechanical properties and desired temporal increases in loading across the bone callus.
Our experiments are rooted in clinical questions that come from collaborative groups of engineers, biologists, and surgeons working together. As a team, we are excited to continue challenging the clinical obstacles that osteoporosis presents. Together, we are confident that our research endeavors hold great promise to fundamentally alter the treatment paradigms associated with fracture fixation.
