Ashutosh Khandha, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineer & Biomechanics Expert

Investigates and analyzes biomechanical and biomedical injuries; injury causation; and medical equipment, devices, and implants.

Assesses Injuries: Applying physics, anatomy, and physiology, assesses injuries involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
• Maxillofacial trauma
• 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: Applying engineering principles, determines:

• 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 device failures.
• Occupational and workplace injuries.
• Sports and recreational injuries.

Professional Experience

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.

Adjunct Professor 2023-present
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering 2018-2023
Assistant Professor, Biomechanics and Movement Science 2017-2023

Conducted biomechanical, electromyography based neuromusculoskeletal gait analysis for healthy individuals and individuals with knee ligament injuries and surgical reconstruction.

Implemented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based protocols for early detection of osteoarthritis (OA) in an institutional review board (IRB) approved human study.

Investigated the link between biomechanical and biochemical alterations in the knee cartilage after surgery.

Director, Biomedical Engineering, Corporate and Clinical Outreach 2019-2023

Fostered department collaborations with clinical, business, and medical communities.

Supported local community by recruiting undergraduate engineering design projects to solve unmet needs.

Organized and supported alumni networking and mentoring events.

Collaborated with high schools to create and execute innovative educational outreach programs.

Co-chair, Biomedical Engineering, Communications Committee 2018-2023

Coordinated communication efforts for a public audience and recruitment.

Associate Scientist, Delaware Rehabilitation Institute (DRI) 2017-2018

Led and supported efforts for human clinical trials and biomedical research, including design of institutional review board (IRB) protocols, data collection and management.

Postdoctoral Researcher 2016

Evaluated injury and disease in the knee joint using radiography (X-ray).

Research Assistant 2012-2016

Conducted gait analysis and neuromusculoskeletal modeling of subjects with knee injuries.

Teaching Assistant 2012-2013

Worked as a teaching assistant for one course: Bioengineering Mechanics.

Conducted computer aided design (CAD), cadaveric testing and finite element analysis (FEA) of orthopedic implants.

Worked as a teaching assistant for two courses: Introduction to Bioengineering and Computer Applications in Bioengineering.

Director of Biomechanical Research 2008-2010

Designed, developed, and tested spinal fusion implants complementing dynamic stabilization.

Assisted with execution of a clinical study for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval (PMA) of a class III medical device.

Research and Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer 2004-2008

Designed and executed biomechanical and material testing protocols for dynamic stabilization spinal implants.

Conducted verification and validation (V&V) activities and failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) for a dynamic stabilization spinal implant.

Conducted material testing, cadaveric testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) of spinal fusion implants and surgical techniques.

Teaching assistant for three courses: Computational Biomechanics, Advanced Biomechanics, and Introduction to C++.

Technical assistance for issues related to desktops and peripherals.

Clinical training and support for dental implant systems.

Teaching Experience

2023: Readings in Movement Science
BMSC 622, Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware
Co-instructor for course that focuses on critical literature evaluation of peer-reviewed publications in biomechanics and movement science.

2019-2023: Medical Device Development
BMEG464, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Primary instructor for course that focuses on design, development, approval, and failure analysis of medical devices per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) processes. Devices include insulin pumps, intraocular lenses, vascular staplers, duodenoscopes, dental implants, spinal implants, surgical robotics, resorbable fixation systems, ultrasound devices, and pacemakers.

2020-2023: Circuits, Signals and Systems for Biomedical Applications
BMEG230, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Primary instructor for course that focuses on the principles of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, as well as mathematical transform techniques applied to biomedical circuits, signals, and systems.

2019, 2022-2023: Biomedical Engineering Junior Design
BMEG360, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Primary instructor for course that focuses on prototype development using the bio-design process.

2018-2022: Introduction to Medical Imaging Systems
BMEG479/BMEG679, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Primary instructor for course that focuses on clinical imaging modalities including radiography (X-ray), ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

2018-2022: Interdisciplinary Engineering Senior Design
BMEG460/MEEG401, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware
Primary instructor for capstone course that focuses on customer requirement discovery, conceptualization, design, development, and testing of a proof-of-concept prototype.

2022: Access: Ability Senior Project
DIST 400, Discovery Learning Experience, University of Delaware
Co-instructor for course that involves structured independent research or service-learning experience focused on disability.

2019-2021: Bioengineering Mechanics II
BMEG311, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Primary instructor for course that focuses on the topics of statics as well as particle and rigid body kinematics and kinetics, impulse, momentum, energy, and viscoelasticity, with application to biomedical problems.

2018: Biomedical Instrumentation
Co-instructor for course that focuses on the introduction and application mechanical, chemical, electrical, and biological principles for biomedical measurements and instrumentation.

2018: Biomedical Modeling and Simulation
BMEG340, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Co-instructor for course that focuses on mathematical modeling and simulation of biomedical processes and experiments.

Professional Credentials

Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), expires December 10, 2023

Professional Memberships

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Member
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Member

Education

• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, 2016
• M.S., Bioengineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, 2004
• B.E., Biomedical Engineering, DJSCE, University of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 2001

Book Chapters

2020

Khandha A, Serhan J, Goel V. (2020) Design rationale for posterior dynamic stabilization relevant for spine surgery. Handbook of Spine Technology, Chapter 13, Springer Cham. pp. 293-314

2005

Goel V, Khandha A, Vadapalli S. (2005) Musculoskeletal biomechanics, an overview. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 8, Chapter 4, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons pp. 39-56

Refereed Journal Publications

2023

• Su A, Khandha A, Bansal S, Ty JM, Baldys A, French ZP, Puccinelli JP. (2023) Orthopaedics and biomedical engineering design: an innovative duet toward a better tomorrow. Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 5(2)
• Williams JR, Neal K, Alfayyadh A, Capin JJ, Khandha A, Manal K, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS (2023) Patellofemoral contact forces and knee gait mechanics 3 months after ACL reconstruction are associated with cartilage degradation 24 months after surgery. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1 pp.96-105

2022 

• Alfayyadh A, Neal K, Williams JR, Khandha A, Manal K, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2022) Limb and sex related differences in knee muscle co-contractions exist 3 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology (accepted, in production)
• Ito N, Capin JJ, Khandha A, Buchanan TS, Silbernagel K, Snyder-Mackler L. (2022) Bone - patellar tendon - bone autograft harvest prolongs extensor latency during gait two years after ACLR. Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise v.54(12) pp. 2109-2117
• Kiapour A, Khandha A, Massaad E, Connolly I, Hadzipasic M, Shankar GM, Goel VK, Shin JH. (2022) Effects of rod diameter on kinematics of posterior cervical spine instrumented constructs: an ex vivo study. Journal of Neurosurgery v.37(5) pp. 749-757
• Williams JR, Neal K, Alfayyadh A, Khandha A, Manal K, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS. (2022) Patellofemoral contact forces after ACL reconstruction: a longitudinal study. Journal of Biomechanics (accepted, in production)
• Ito N, Capin JJ, Khandha A, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2022) Identifying gait pathology after ACL reconstruction using temporal characteristics of kinetics and electromyography. Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise v.54(6) pp. 923-930
• Neal K, Williams JR, Alfayyadh A, Capin JJ, Khandha A, Manal K, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS. (2022) Knee joint biomechanics during gait improve from 3 to 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.40(9) pp. 2025-2038
• Williams JR, Neal K, Alfayyadh A, Lennon K, Capin JJ, Khandha A, Manal K, Potter HG, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS. (2022) Knee cartilage T2 relaxation times 3 months after ACL reconstruction are associated with knee gait variables linked to knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.40(1) pp. 252-259
• Ito N, Capin JJ, Arhos E, Khandha A, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2021) Sex and mechanism of injury influence joint loading symmetry during gait 6 months after ACLR. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.39 (5) pp. 1123-1132
• Wellsandt E, Khandha A, Capin JJ, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2020) Operative and non-operative management of anterior cruciate ligament injury: differences in gait biomechanics at 5 years. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.38 (12) pp. 2675-2684

2021

• Ito N, Capin JJ, Arhos E, Khandha A, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2021) Sex and mechanism of injury influence joint loading symmetry during gait 6 months after ACLR. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.39 (5) pp. 1123-1132

2020

• Wellsandt E, Khandha A, Capin JJ, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2020) Operative and non-operative management of anterior cruciate ligament injury: differences in gait biomechanics at 5 years. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.38 (12) pp. 2675-2684
• Capin JJ, Williams JR, Neal K, Khandha A, Durkee L, Ito N, Stefanik JJ, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS. (2020) Slower walking speed is related to early femoral trochlear cartilage degradation after ACL reconstruction. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.38 (3) pp.645-652

2019

• Khandha A, Manal K, Wellsandt E, Marmon A, Capin JJ, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS. (2019) High muscle co-contraction does not result in high joint forces during gait in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.37(1) pp.104-112
• Capin JJ, Khandha A, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2019) Partial medial meniscectomy leads to altered walking mechanics two years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; meniscal repair does not. Gait and Posture v.74 pp. 87-93
• Capin JJ, Zarzycki R, Ito N, Khandha A, Dix C, Manal K, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2019) Gait mechanics in women of the ACL-SPORTS randomized control trial: interlimb symmetry improves over time regardless of treatment group. Journal of Orthopaedic Research v.37(8) pp.1743-1793

2018

• Capin JJ, Khandha A, Zarzycki R, Arundale AJH, Ziegler ML, Manal K, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2018) Gait mechanics and tibiofemoral loading in men of the ACL-SPORTS randomized control trial. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 36(9) pp.2364-2372
• Capin JJ, Khandha A, Zarzycki R, Manal K, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2018) Gait mechanics after ACL reconstruction differ according to medial meniscal treatment. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 100(14) pp.1209-1216

2017

• Khandha A, Manal K, Wellsandt E, Capin JJ, Snyder-Mackler L, Buchanan TS. (2017) Gait mechanics in those with/without medial compartment knee osteoarthritis five years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Special Issue: Injury and Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis, Journal of Orthopaedic Research 35(3) pp.625-633
• Wellsandt E, Khandha A, Manal K, Axe MJ, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2017) Predictors of knee joint loading after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Special Issue: Injury and Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis, Journal of Orthopaedic Research 35(3) pp.651-656
• Capin JJ, Khandha A, Zarzycki R, Manal K, Buchanan TS, Snyder-Mackler L. (2017) Gait mechanics and second ACL rupture: implications for delaying return-to-sport. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 35(9) pp.1894-1901. Excellence in Clinical Science Award

2016

• Robbins AK, Mateson AB, Khandha A, Pugarelli JE, Buchanan TS, Akins RE, Barthold JS. (2016) Fetal rat gubernaculum mesenchymal cells adopt myogenic and myofibroblast-like phenotypes. The Journal of Urology 196(1) pp.270-278

2008

• Hallab N, Khandha A, Malcolmson G, Timm J. (2008) In vitro assessment of serum-saline ratios for fluid simulator testing of highly modular spinal implants with articulating surfaces. International Journal of Spine Surgery 2(4) pp.171-183

2007

• Bono C, Khandha A, Vadapalli S, Holekamp S, Goel V, Garfin S. (2007) Residual sagittal motion after lumbar fusion: a finite element analysis with implications on radiographic flexion-extension criteria. Spine 32(4) pp. 417-422

2006

• Vadapalli S, Sairyo K, Goel V, Robon M, Biyani A, Khandha A, Ebraheim N. (2006) Biomechanical rationale for using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) spacers for lumbar interbody fusion – a finite element study. Spine 31(26) pp. E992-E998
• Vadapalli S, Robon M, Biyani A, Sairyo K, Khandha A, Goel V. (2006) Effect of lumbar interbody cage geometry on construct stability – a cadaveric study. Spine 31(19) pp. 2189-2194

For the full CV, click here for the full PDF version.

v. 07/14/23