Contact Information   Office: Engineering Centers Bldg., also Module G5/360 Clinical Science Center 600 Highland Avenue Madison, WI 53792 Tel: 608/263-9593 Fax: 608/265-9144   Lab: VA Medical center and orthopedic surgery   E-mail:

Affiliations   Biomedical Engineering   Surgery   Engineering Mechanics   Materials Science Program

Professor Vanderby is a faculty member in the department of Surgery, where he directs the Orthopedic Research Laboratories. He has an affiliate appointment in the Departments of Engineering Physics and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses entirely on orthopedic biomechanics. Vanderby is particularly interested in the mechanics of ligaments, tendons and bone, and studies alterations in the mechanical properties of these tissues in response to tissue healing, changes in loadings (from exercise, bed rest, microgravity, etc.), aging, disease, and biochemical factors (growth factors and hormones). These studies consider the micromechanics of these tissues (that is, how the extracellular matrix interacts with cells to locally regulate the microstructure). These studies also consider the solid, fluid and electrochemical interactions at a microscopic level. Additionally, Vanderby is interested in knee reconstruction, thermal modification of connective tissues, fracture fixation, and the biomechanics of the spine. To study these orthopedic issues, he uses and adapts engineering and biological methods including experimental, analytical, and computational mechanics; tissue culture and molecular biology; and various microscopic methods (confocal, TEM and SEM).