Clare Fitzpatrick

Bio

Dr. Clare Fitzpatrick joined Boise State University in August 2016 as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and director of the Computational Biosciences Lab. The overall objective of Dr. Fitzpatrick’s work is to directly impact patient quality of life through guiding surgical decisions and developing and evaluating implants and surgical techniques which optimize patient functionality and mobility. She works primarily in the area of computational biomechanics, with a focus on finite element modeling.

Dr. Fitzpatrick was awarded her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2008 from University College Dublin, Ireland. This work forced on development of statistical shape models of the knee joint, and application of these models to optimize implant sizing of knee replacement devices. Prior to joining Boise State, Dr. Fitzpatrick worked as a Senior Research Engineer at the University of Denver’s Center for Orthopaedic Biomechanics. Her work focused on computational finite element modeling with applications in orthopaedic biomechanics, and involved extensive collaboration with academic, industry and clinical partners.

Courses Taught

• ME 112 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
• ME 273 Introduction to Computation for Engineers
• ME 356 Introduction to Solid Biomechanics
• ME 470/570 FInite Element Methods
• ME 510 Continuum Mechanics

Education

• B.E., Mechanical Engineering, May 2003, University College Dublin, Ireland
• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, March 2008, University College Dublin, Ireland

Research

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s main areas of research include:

Understanding the mechanisms of injury and disease in order to design therapeutic and surgical interventions which are tailored to correct these mechanistic deficiencies. Oftentimes, these biomechanical issues are difficult to elucidate. Computational models can be used to address specific clinical issues, notably, recurrent patellar dislocation in the intact knee, and patellofemoral crepitation in the implanted knee.

Accounting for uncertainty in loading conditions and surgical process in the patient population through application of statistical and probabilistic methods. There is a large amount of uncertainty in loading conditions and surgical process within the joint replacement patient population. Accuracy of surgical placement of components, patient weight, activity level and soft-tissue integrity are just a sub-set of parameters which contribute to differences in clinical outcomes between patients. As a result, differentiating between the performance of different components is a difficult question to address. Statistical and probabilistic methods have been developed as part of Dr. Fitzpatrick’s work which integrate with the computational environment in order to design implants which are robust to patient and surgical variability. These probabilistic tools have been used to identify the factors which have the greater influence on joint mechanics, and statistical methods to predict joint mechanics based on quantification of patient anatomy.

Developing computational testbeds for pre-clinical testing and design-phase evaluation of implant devices such as knee and hip replacements in order to evaluate the performance of these devices in vivo. Traditional pre-clinical testing of implanted devices such as knee and hip replacement implants comprises of basic evaluation in an attempt to evaluate their performance in vivo

Loading conditions are simplistic and do not accuracy represent the loads encountered within the population. Dr. Fitzpatrick has developed sophisticated computational test-beds for pre-clinical testing and design-phase evaluation of components in order to provide accurate predictions of in vivo performance for prospective implant designs. These models integrate feedback control systems with the finite element environment to accurately reproduce the conditions of activities of daily activities.

Publications

Peer-reviewed journal articles:

• Volk VL, Hamilton LD, Hume DR, Shelburne KB, and Fitzpatrick CK, “Integration of neural architecture within a finite element framework for improved neuromusculoskeletal modeling”. Scientific Reports, in press.
• Kennedy Z, Newberg J, Goelzer M, Judex S, Fitzpatrick CK, and Uzer G, “Modeling stem cell nucleus mechanics using confocal microscopy”. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, in press.
• Wale ME, Nesbitt DQ, Henderson BS, Fitzpatrick CK, Creechley JJ, and Lujan TJ, 2021. “Applying ASTM standards to tensile tests of musculoskeletal soft tissue: Methods to reduce grip failures and promote reproducibility”. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 143, 011011.
• Tanikella AS, Hardy MJ, Frahs SM, Cormier AG, Gibbons KD, Fitzpatrick CK, and Oxford JT, 2020. “Emerging gene-editing modalities for osteoarthritis”. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21, E6046.
• Myers CA, Fitzpatrick CK, Huff DN, Laz PJ, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2020. “Development and calibration of a probabilistic finite element hip capsule representation”. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 23, 755-764.
• Ali AA, Clary CW, Smoger LM, Dennis DA, Fitzpatrick CK, Rullkoetter PJ, and Laz PJ, 2020. “Computational framework for population-based evaluation of TKR-implanted patellofemoral joint mechanics”. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, 19, 1309-1317.
• Oxford JT, Cornell KA, Romero JJ, Smith DB, Yarnell TL, Wood RM, Jorcyk CL, Lujan TJ, Albig AR, Mitchell KA, McDougal OM, Fologea D, Estrada D, Tinker JK, Nagarajan R, Warner DL, Rohn TT, Browning J, Beard RS Jr, Warner LR, Morrison BE, Fitzpatrick CK, Uzer G, Bond L, Frahs SM, Keller-Peck C, Pu X, and Woodbury LG, 2020. “Matrix Biology: building infrastructure, supporting young researchers, and fostering collaboration”. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21, 2141.
• Alvarez O, Steensen RN, Rullkoetter PJ, and Fitzpatrick CK, 2020. “A computational approach to correcting joint instability in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 38, 768-776.
• Gibbons KD, Clary CW, Rullkoetter PJ, and Fitzpatrick CK, 2019. “Development of a statistical shape-function model of the implanted knee for real-time prediction of joint mechanics”. Journal of Biomechanics, 88, 55-63.
• VanSickle D, Volk V, Freeman P, Henry J, Baldwin M, and Fitzpatrick CK, 2019. “Electrode placement accuracy in robot-assisted asleep deep brain stimulation”. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 47, 1212-1222.
• Sintini I, Fitzpatrick CK, Clary CW, Castelli VP, and Rullkoetter PJ, “Computational evaluation of TKR stability using feedback-controlled compressive loading”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 36, 1901-1909.
• Rullkoetter PJ, Fitzpatrick CK, and Clary CW, 2017. “How can we use computational modeling to improve TKA? Modeling stability and mobility in the implanted knee”. Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 25, S33-S39.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Maag C, Clary CW, Metcalfe A, Langhorn J, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2016. “Validation of a new computational 6-DOF knee simulator during dynamic activities”. Journal of Biomechanics, 49, 3177-3184.
• Harris MD, Cyr AJ, Ali AA, Fitzpatrick CK, Rullkoetter PJ, Maletsky LP, and Shelburne KB, 2016. “A combined experimental and computational approach to subject-specific analysis of knee joint laxity”. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 138:081004-1-081004-8.
• Navacchia A, Rullkoetter PJ, Schutz P, List R, Fitzpatrick CK, and Shelburne KB, 2016. “Subject-specific multiscale modeling of muscle force and knee contact in total knee arthroplasty”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 34, 1576-1587.
• Ali AA, Shalhoub S, Cyr A, Fitzpatrick CK, Maletsky L, Rullkoetter PJ, and Shelburne KB, 2016. “Validation of predicted patellofemoral mechanics in a finite element model of the healthy and cruciate-deficient knee”. Journal of Biomechanics, 49, 302-309.
• Berahmani S, Janssen D, Wolfson D, de Waal Malefijt M, Fitzpatrick CK, Rullkoetter PJ, and Verdonschot N, 2016. “An FE analysis of the effects of simplifications in experimental testing on micromotions of uncemented femoral knee implants”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 34, 812-819.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Steensen RN, Tumuluri A, Trinh T, Bentley J, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2016. “Computational analysis of factors contributing to patellar dislocation”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 34, 444-453.
• Smoger LM, Fitzpatrick CK, Clary CW, Cyr AJ, Maletsky LP, Rullkoetter PJ, and Laz PJ, 2015. “Statistical modeling to characterize relationships between knee anatomy and kinematics”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 33, 1620-1630.
• Fitzpatrick CK, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2014. “Estimating total knee replacement joint load ratios from kinematics”. Journal of Biomechanics 47, 3003-3011.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Komistek RD, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2014. “Developing simulations to reproduce in vivo fluoroscopy kinematics in total knee replacement patients”. Journal of Biomechanics 47, 2398-2405.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Hemelaar P, and Taylor M, 2014. “Computationally efficient prediction of bone-implant interface micromotion of a cementless tibial tray during gait”. Journal of Biomechanics 47, 1718-1726.
• Abo-Alhol TR, Fitzpatrick CK, Clary CW, Cyr AJ, Maletsky LP, Laz PJ, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2014. “Patellar mechanics during simulated kneeling in the natural and implanted knee”. Journal of Biomechanics 47, 1045-1051.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Baldwin MA, Clary CW, Maletsky LP, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2014. “Evaluating knee replacement mechanics during ADL with PID-controlled dynamic finite element analysis”. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 17, 360-369.
• Rao C, Fitzpatrick CK, Rullkoetter PJ, Maletsky LP, Kim R, and Laz PJ, 2013. “A statistical finite element model of the knee accounting for shape and alignment variability”. Medical Engineering and Physics 35, 1450-1456.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Clary CW, Cyr A, Maletsky LP, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2013. “Mechanics of post-cam engagement during simulated dynamic activity”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 31, 1438-1446.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Kim R, Ali AA, Smoger LM, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2013. “Effects of resection thickness on mechanics of resurfaced patellae”. Journal of Biomechanics 46, 1568-1575.
• Clary CW, Fitzpatrick CK, Maletsky LP, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2013. “The influence of total knee arthroplasty geometry on mid-flexion stability: An experimental and finite element study”. Journal of Biomechanics 46, 1351-1357.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Clary CW, Laz PJ, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2012. “Relative contributions of design, alignment and loading variability in knee replacement mechanics”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 30, 2015-2024.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Clary CW, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2012. “The role of patient, surgical, and implant design variation in total knee replacement performance”. Journal of Biomechanics 45, 2092-2102.
• Fitzpatrick CK, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2012. “Influence of patellofemoral articular geometry and material on mechanics of the unresurfaced patella”. Journal of Biomechanics 45, 1909-1915.
• Hoops HE, Johnson D, Kim R, Dennis DA, Baldwin MA, Fitzpatrick CK, Laz PJ, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2012. “Control-matched computational evaluation of tendo-femoral contact in patients with PS TKA”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 30, 1355-1361.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Baldwin MA, Clary CW, Wright A, Laz PJ, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2012. “Identifying alignment parameters affecting implanted patellofemoral mechanics”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research30, 1167-1175.
• Baldwin MA, Clary C, Fitzpatrick CK, Deacy JS, Maletsky LP, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2012. “Dynamic finite element knee simulation for evaluation of knee replacement mechanics”. Journal of Biomechanics 45, 474-483.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Baldwin MA, Laz PJ, FitzPatrick DP, Lerner AL, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2011. “Development of a statistical shape model of the patellofemoral joint for investigating relationships between shape and function”. Journal of Biomechanics 44, 2446-2452.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Baldwin MA, Ali AA, Laz PJ, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2011. “Comparison of patellar bone strain in the natural and implanted knee during simulated deep flexion”. Journal of Orthopaedic Research29, 232-239.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Baldwin MA, Rullkoetter PJ, and Laz PJ, 2011. “Combined probabilistic and principal component analysis approach for multivariate sensitivity evaluation and application to TKR patellofemoral mechanics”. Journal of Biomechanics 44, 13-21.
• Green CJ, Flavin R, Fitzpatrick CK, FitzPatrick D, Stephens M, and Quinlan W, 2011. “Definition of coordinate system for three-dimensional data analysis in the foot and ankle”. Foot and Ankle International, 32, 193-199.
• Fitzpatrick CK, Baldwin MA, and Rullkoetter PJ, 2010. “Computationally efficient finite element evaluation of natural patellofemoral mechanics”. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 132:121013-1-121013-8.
• Green C, Molony D, Fitzpatrick CK, O’Rourke K, 2010. “Age-specific incidence of hip fracture in the elderly: a healthy decline”. Surgeon 8, 310-313.
• Daruwalla ZJ, Courtis P, Fitzpatrick CK, FitzPatrick D, and Mullett H, 2010. “An application of principal component analysis to the clavicle and clavicle fixation devices”. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 26, 5-21.
• Daruwalla ZJ, Courtis P, Fitzpatrick CK, FitzPatrick D, and Mullett H, 2010. “Anatomic variation of the clavicle: A novel three-dimensional study”. Clinical Anatomy 23, 199-209.
• Fitzpatrick CK, FitzPatrick DP, and Auger DD, 2008. “Size and shape of the resection surface geometry of the osteoarthritic knee in relation to total knee replacement design”. Proceedings from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Part H 222, 923-932.
• Fitzpatrick CK, FitzPatrick D, Lee J, and Auger D, 2007. “Statistical design of unicompartmental tibial implants and comparison with current devices”. Knee 14, 138-144.
• Fitzpatrick CK, FitzPatrick D, Auger D, and Lee J, 2007. “A tibial-based coordinate system for three-dimensional data”. Knee 14, 133-137.