Research Collaboration

At Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM), research is central to our mission of advancing orthopaedic care. A/Prof Lukas Ernstbrunner leads a long-standing and productive collaboration with Professor David Ackland and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, focused on bridging clinical surgery and biomechanics research.

Professor David Ackland is Head of the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Research Group

"I work closely with A/Prof Ernstbrunner in applying biomechanical modelling to clinical problems and challenges. This close engagement between engineers and clinicians ensures translation of our orthopaedic research to clinical practice".

- Professor David Ackland

Biomechanical optimisation of surgical techniques Implant design and fixation strategies in joint replacement

Implant design and fixation strategies in joint replacement

Professor David Ackland is Head of the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Research Group at the University of Melbourne. He completed his PhD and postdoctoral training at the University of Melbourne, with a research focus on musculoskeletal biomechanics and shoulder arthroplasty. His current research program centres on musculoskeletal modelling, human movement biomechanics, and the application of artificial intelligence and data analytics in orthopaedics — with a particular emphasis on the upper limb. Professor Ackland is President-Elect of the Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society and is a strong advocate for early- and mid-career researchers in the field of orthopaedics.

This collaboration brings together clinical expertise, cadaveric and advanced computational biomechanical research, and implant design and development. With a shared goal of improving outcomes in orthopaedic surgery, particularly in orthopaedic limb reconstruction, the partnership has contributed to multiple joint publications in leading international journals.

Key areas of research include:

  • Biomechanical optimisation of surgical techniques

  • Implant design and fixation strategies in joint replacement

  • Cadaveric modelling and surgical simulation

  • Virtual surgical procedures and computational testing

Together with Professor David Ackland and the University of Melbourne, ROM is working to translate research into clinical excellence — ensuring that the most innovative and evidence-based techniques are delivered directly to our patients.

A/Professor Lukas Ernstbrunner Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM)

Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM)

ROM's purpose is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve lives — through reconstructive orthopaedic surgery grounded in science, and through research that redefines what’s possible in musculoskeletal surgery.