Dr Lang Yang, CSci, PhD
Academic Unit of Bone Metabolism
Department of Human Metabolism
The University of Sheffield
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX
UK
Office: DU28
Tel: +44 (0)114 226 1411
Fax: +44 (0)114 261 8775
Email: l.yang@sheffield.ac.uk
Biography
I graduated from the Chongqing University, China with a BSc in Applied Mechanics and MSc in Biomechanics. I obtained PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Strathclyde in 1988 and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Edinburgh, University of Dundee and University of Strathclyde. In 1996 I joined the University of Sheffield as a non-clinical lecturer.
Research Interests
My current research interests are quantifying the effects of osteoporosis and its treatment on bone geometry, bone tissue distribution and structure, and bone mechanical strength, with particular focus on the proximal femur. Development of image processing and analysis methods for medical images is an essential part of my research, so does the structural engineering models generated from medical images. This has resulted in two streamlined analysis software, one for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and another for quantitative computer tomography of the hip. My research aims are to accurately assess the bone strength non-invasively and to develop diagnostic tools that accurately predict the risk of bone fracture and monitor the treatment effects.
I am also interested in understanding mechanical environment at fracture site and how that modulates biological processes of fracture healing. This involves the determination of mechanical properties of fracture fixation devices by mechanical testing, non-invasive assessment of the mechanical property of healing tissues and computer simulation of fracture healing.
Teaching Interests
I contribute to the Phase 1b Research SSC Attachments and offer B. Med. Sci. projects of the MBChB course.
Professional Activities
I am a charted scientist through the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and a member of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and European Calcified Tissue Society.
Current Projects
• Finite element modelling of the proximal femur based on quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
• Finite element modelling of the lumbar spine based on quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
• Determination and finite element modelling of transmission of whole body vibration.
Key Publications
Yang, L., Peel, N., Clowes, J.A., McCloskey, E.V., and Eastell, R. (2009) Use of DXA-based structural engineering models of the proximal femur to discriminate hip fracture. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 24: 33-42.
Yang, L., Maric, I., McCloskey, E.V., and Eastell, R. (2008) Shape, structural properties and cortical stability along the femoral neck: a study using clinical QCT. Journal of Clinical Densitometry 11: 373-382.
Ali, A.M., Saleh, M., Eastell, R., Wigderowitz, C.A., Rigby, A.S., Yang, L., (2006) Influence of bone quality on the strength of internal and external fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 24, 2080-2086.
Ali, A.M., Saleh, M., Bolongaro, S., Yang, L., (2006) Experimental model of tibial plateau fracture for biomechanical testing. Journal of Biomechanics 39: 1355-1360.
Metcalfe, A.J., Saleh, M., Yang, L., (2005). Techniques for improving stability in oblique fractures treated by circular fixation with particular reference to the sagittal plane. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume 87: 868-872.