Ruhi Arslanoglu, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineer & Biomechanics Expert

Ruhi Arslanoglu, Biomedical Engineer & Biomechanics Expert

Dr. Ruhi Arslanoglu is an expert in Biomedical Engineering. His practice focuses on orthopedic and musculoskeletal biomechanics with respect to injuries related to vehicle crashes, falls, workplace and recreational injuries, and medical device and implant failures.

Dr. Arslanoglu has over 35 years of engineering experience in academia and industry. He is an experienced research engineer/scientist with a strong track record of theoretical and computational mechanics, medical product development and research, and management of pre-clinical studies. Prior to joining Robson Forensic, Dr. Arslanoglu was a Senior Research Engineer with Orthofix Spine in their R&D Department. He also worked with the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California San Diego, and the Department of Biomaterials at Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London.

Dr. Arslanoglu earned an M.Sc. Degree in Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering as well as a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been published and has presented at numerous academic and international conferences, including the Biomedical Engineering Society, Biophysical Society, Experimental Biology, Biomaterials, and Polymers in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Arslanoglu also serves as an ASTM member in the International Technical Committee in the Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices and the Forensic Engineering Committees. He is a member of the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Institute of Materials, and several other professional organizations.

Investigates and analyzes injuries from a biomechanical and biomedical perspective; determines how injuries were caused; evaluates design and use of medical equipment, devices and implants.

Assesses Injuries: Applies physics, anatomy and physiology principals to assess:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures;
  • Neck, back and spinal cord injuries;
  • Orthopedic and neurologic injuries;
  • Vascular ruptures;
  • Abdominal organs;
  • Heart, lungs, skin (including burns) and other organs;
  • Musculo-skeletal injuries including joints (i.e., shoulders, knees, ankles and elbows), soft tissues (i.e., rotator cuff, tendons and ligaments), and fracture patterns (torso, long bone, hand, foot or skull).

Determines Cause: Applies engineering principles to determine:

  • The manner in which tissue failed: the type of loading, the direction of loading and magnitude or size of the load that caused the injury;
  • If injury patterns are causally related or consistent with the hazardous condition or circumstances claimed
  • Whether there was sufficient force in the right direction to cause an injury;
  • The presence of pre-existing conditions and how they affect the injury;
  • Who and/or what action contributed to the injuries;
  • What could have been done to prevent the injuries.

Typical Personal Injury Cases Involve:

  • Motor vehicle collisions;
  • Slips, trips and falls;
  • Medical malpractice or device failures;
  • Occupational and work place injuries;
  • Sports and recreational injuries.

Professional Experience

Robson Forensic, Inc.

Associate

2011 to present

Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of personal injury litigation involving injury analysis and causation, medical equipment, medical devices, and procedures.

Blackstone Medical - Orthofix Spine, New Jersey

Non-Fusion Technology Group, Research and Development
Research Engineer and Sr. Research Engineer

2007 to 2010

Scope of Responsibilities:

  • Computational analysis for new product development and failure analysis of existing products.
  • Materials testing and characterization.
  • Product testing, failure analysis, biocompatibility.
  • Interacting with surgeon consultants and external research laboratories.
  • Provide interaction between cross-functional research groups to provide continuity of research. Selecting medically acceptable materials.
  • Provide support for selecting manufacturing methodologies.
  • Manage pre-clinical studies and provide support for clinical research.

University of California San Diego

Department of Bioengineering, Cardiac Mechanics Research Group
Research Fellow (National Institute of Health Grant)

2001 to 2005

Scope of Responsibilities:

  • Certified to work in a micro-fabrication facility to make micro-fluidic devices
  • Developing the concept, fabrication, testing and modifying in order to improve to achieve the goals of research protocols and carrying out the relevant experimentation.
  • Adapting purpose built experimental apparatuses to be used in other areas of research and provided instructions and trained other researchers for their particular experiments.
  • Leading assigned projects with a team of engineers, biologist, and lab technicians.
  • Teaching and assisting numerous graduate and undergraduate level courses.
  • Preparing and publishing manuscripts and publications of scientific findings.
  • Reviewing technical and scientific manuscripts submitted for publication to science journal.
  • Developing and preparing instructions for protocols to conduct science experiments.
  • Conducting and participating in experimental surgeries.
  • Trained and certified to work in medical research environments and handling live animal subjects to comply with all institute policies and procedures in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Tate Britain and Imperial College of Technology And Medicine, London, U.K.

Department of Conservation Science
Leverhulme Research Fellow

2001

Scope of Responsibilities:

  • Initiated a state of the art computational method to study mechanical behavior of old master paintings and art objects (laminate composite structures with multiple heterogeneous layers) to understand the effects of environmental variables and physical damage due to accidents or various other factors.
  • Developed a systemic computational methodology to perform preliminary predictive analysis of paintings due to environmental variables.
  • Provided engineering consultation for various material handling and transportation issues.
  • Provided expert opinion on damaged art work to determine the extent of damage and possible repair approaches.

University of London, Queen Mary and Westfield College, Department of 2001 Biomaterials, & University of Surrey, Department of Physics, Materials and Medical Physics, Surrey, U.K.

Research Fellow (Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center)

1999 to 2001

Scope of Responsibilities:

  • Designed and supervised the fabrication of a new tool to produce standard polymeric drug delivery specimens.
  • Conducted experimental studies to determine diffusion characteristics of various polymeric materials.
  • Designed an improved composite structure polymeric implantable drug delivery device to enhance the controlled release of drugs.
  • Supervised undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Conducted experiments to determine diffusion profiles of polymers using micro-ion beam accelerator.

The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas

Orthopedic Biomechanics Lab
Research Fellow

1988 to 1999

 

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
Research Assistant

 

Mechanics Software Inc., Austin, Texas

Computational Analysis Engineer

 

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Fusion Research Center, IGNITEX Project
Graduate Research Assistant

 

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics and Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Teaching Assistant

 

Education

  • Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering (Orthopaedic Biomechanics & Tissue Engineering), The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
  • M.Sc., Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering (Computational Mechanics), The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
  • Diploma of Institute of Graduate Studies, Aerospace Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
  • B.Sc., Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey

Additional Education, Training and Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, 2020
    • Young Investigator Career Mentorship, ORS, Phoenix, Arizona, 2020
  • Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, 2019
    • BlazeDesign Workshop Mentorship, BMES Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, 2019
  • Interactive Driver Response Research Program (IDRR) Instruction, Crash Safety Solutions, 2019 46th International Workshop on Human Subjects for Biomechanical Research, San Diego, CA, 2018
  • 62nd STAPP Car Crash Conference, San Diego, CA, 2018
  • Abbreviated Injury Scale Course, AAAM, Nashville, TN, 2018
  • Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, 62nd Scientific Annual Conference, Nashville, TN, 2018
  • Principles of Orthopaedic Surgery: Musculoskeletal Tissue Physiology and Function, Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology. Orthopaedic Research Society & Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2018
  • Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2018
  • 45th International Workshop on Human Subjects for Biomechanical Research, Charleston, SC, 2017
  • 61st STAPP Car Crash Conference, Charleston, SC, 2017
  • ORS PSRS 4th International Spine Research Symposium, Lake Harmony, PA, 2017
    • Symposium addressing the problems associated with degenerative disc disease, cutting-edge scientific research in areas of basic biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, tissue engineering, and imaging of the intervertebral disc in addition to biomechanics of injury.
  • Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 2017
  • International Workshop on Human Subjects for Biomechanical Research, NHTSA/Human Injury Research Division, STAPP Car Crash Conference, Washington D.C., 2016
  • Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, 60th Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI, 2016
  • Innovations in Biomedical Materials, The American Ceramic Society, Chicago, IL, 2016 Ceramic and Glass Materials for Implants, Medical Devices and Tissue Engineering: Collaboration between R&D, medical practitioners, and biomedical materials manufacturers/marketers to better develop emerging technologies into marketable products. Research and product developments related to novel materials for orthopedic, dental, and maxillofacial applications; advanced manufacturing technologies; power sources, energy harvesting, power transmission and telemetry; as well as implantable and wearable sensors.
  • Traffic Crash Reconstruction – III: Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 2016
    • Advanced techniques for reconstructing traffic crashes utilizing statistical variability analysis of real-world case studies including motorcycle, pedestrian and truck collisions
  • Principles of Orthopaedic Surgery: Biomaterials, Bone, Skeletal Muscle, Tendon, Ligament, Cartilage and Meniscus Mechanics. Orthopaedic Research Society & Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, Orlando, Florida, 2016
  • Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, 2016
  • Traffic Crash Reconstruction - II: Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 2015
    • Investigator further explores the techniques for reconstructing traffic crashes and acquires advanced skills through the analysis of real-world case studies including motorcycle, pedestrian and truck collisions
  • Principles of Orthopaedic Surgery: Musculoskeletal Tissue Physiology and Function and Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology. Orthopaedic Research Society & Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2015
  • Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2015
  • Human Gross Anatomy Course, Wexner Medical Center, Injury Biomechanics Research Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 2014
  • Injury Biomechanics Symposium, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 2014
  • Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2014
  • Annual Injury Biomechanics Symposium, Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, 2013
  • International Workshop on Human Subjects for Biomechanical Research, 2013
  • STAPP Car Crash Conference, 2013
  • Annual Injury Biomechanics Symposium, Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, May 13-15th, 2012
    • The Injury Biomechanics Research Laboratory of OSU hosted this research forum to foster communication between developing and established researchers. Participants included 13 universities and institutions from around the world such as the Automobile Safety Research Group of the Center for Applied Biomechanics, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
  • International Workshop on Human Subjects for Biomechanical Research, NHTSA/Human Injury Research Division, 2011
  • STAPP Car Crash Conference, 2011
  • Biological Safety Specialist, NAMSA Advisory Services’ Certification: Developing a Biocompatibility Evaluation Plan, Orlando, Florida, 2009
  • Spine Specialist Training, Denver, Colorado, 2007
  • Testing and Analysis of Elastomers, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2007

Professional Memberships

  • American Ceramics Society (ACS), 2016
  • Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM), 2016
  • Orthopaedic Research Society, 2014
  • American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
    • Committee on Forensic Engineering, 2011
    • Committee on Medical and Surgical Materials Devices, 2009
  • Institute of Materials, U.K., Member, 2000
  • International Association for Dental Research, Member, 2000
  • Association for Dental Research, U.K., Member, 2000
  • Tissue and Cell Engineering Society, U.K., Member, 1999
  • Society for Biomaterials, U.K., Member, 1999
  • ITU-MD, Vice-Chair, London Branch, 1998-2001
  • Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Member, 1993
    • Medical Devices Specialty Group, 2016
  • ITU-MD, Founder Member, By-Law Committee, 1993
  • Texas Mineralized Tissue Society Graduate Engineering Council, University of Texas at Austin, Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering Department, Elected Representative, 1990-1991
  • Texas Institute of Computational Mechanics, 1989 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Member, 1989

Scholarships and Fellowships

  • Leverhulme Research Fellow, 2001
  • Graduate Study for Ph.D. Degree in Science Scholarship, The Republic of Turkey, Institution for Higher Education (tuition, fees and living expenses), 1989-1993
  • Graduate Study for M.S. Degree in Engineering Scholarship, The Republic of Turkey, Institution for Higher Education, (tuition, fees and living expenses), 1988-1989

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • EMT (New Jersey)
  • NAUI Scuba Diver (Divemaster, Rescue Diver)
  • Amateur Radio Operator (Technician License)
  • Woodworker (cabinet and furniture building)
  • Model glider builder and remote control flying
  • American Cancer Society, Bike-A-Thon Motorcycle Safety Officer

Reviewed Publications, Abstracts, Conference Presentations

  • A. S. Clough, M. Braden, Arslanoglu, R. and M.P. Patel “Polymeric Drug Release Systems and Micro Nuclear Reaction Analysis,” 9th International Conference on Polymers in Medicine and Surgery, Danube University, Krems, Austria, September 11-13, 2000
  • A. S. Clough, R. Hollands, Arslanoglu, R., M. Braden, and M.P. Patel “Water Uptake Profiles of Polymeric Drug Release Systems Using Micro Nuclear Reaction Analysis,” Sixth World Biomaterials Conference, Hawaii, U.S.A., May 15-20, 2000.
  • Arslanoglu, R., A. S. Clough, R. Hollands, M. Braden, and M.P. Patel “Water Uptake of Polymeric Drug Release Systems,” International Association of Dental Research Conference 2000, Washington D.C., U.S.A., April 5-8, 2000.
  • Arslanoglu, R. “Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Aspects of Cellular Mechanotransduction,” Ph.D. Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, January 1999.
  • Arslanoglu, R. and K.A. Athanasiou “Constitutive Modeling of Cellular Mechanotransduction,” Biomedical Engineering Society, 1994 Annual Fall Meeting, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, October 14-16, 1994.
  • Arslanoglu, R. and K.A. Athanasiou “Constitutive Modeling and Experimental Verification of Cellular Mechanotransduction,” Sixth Conference and Workshop, Texas Mineralized Tissue Society, San Antonio, Texas, May 13-15, 1994.
  • Arslanoglu, R. “Mathematical Modeling of Cellular Mechanotransduction,” State/Industry Cooperative Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Center for the Enhancement of the Biology/Biomaterials Interfaces Annual Meeting, April 21-22, 1994.
  • Arslanoglu, R. “Constitutive Modeling of Cellular Mechanotransduction Based on Mixture Theories,” Southwest Research Institute at San Antonio, Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics Research, C. Williams Hall Lecture, 9/12/1993.
  • Arslanoglu, R. “Constitutive Modeling and Experimental Verification of Cellular Mechanotransduction,” The University of Texas at Austin, Biomedical Engineering Program, Department of Engineering Graduate Student Paper Competition, 10/25/93.
  • Arslanoglu, R. “Preliminary Design Analysis of IGNITEX Vacuum Vessel.” Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 1991.
  • Dong, J.Q., Arslanoglu, R., Becker, E., Carrera, R., Khayrudinov, R., Walls, A., Weldon, W.F. Preliminary Analysis of the Vacuum Vessel in the Fusion Ignition Experiment IGNITEX. 1990 IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, Oakland, CA, May 21-23, 1990.

Invited Speaker

  • Using Forensic Biomechanics in Personal Injury Cases, U.S. Attorney's Office, Newark, NJ, September 2018.
  • Medical Device Design: Law Factor, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, W. H. Coulter School of Engineering, Clarkson University, April 14th, 2017.

v. 03/16/20

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