Kent N. Bachus

Kent N. Bachus, PhD

Languages spoken: English

Academic Information

Departments Primary - Orthopaedics

Kent N. Bachus received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University in 1983, his Master of Science degree in Bioelectrics/Bioengineering from the University of Michigan in 1985, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering from the University of Utah in 1989. He joined the faculty of the Department of Orthopaedics in 1994 and serves as the Director of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. He is a Research Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and holds academic appointments in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He reviews for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Journal of Trauma, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, and the Journal of Biomaterials and others. His society memberships include the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Society for Biomaterials, the North American Spine Society, and the American Society for Testing and Materials. His research interests include the design and development of percutaneous osseointegrated implants for amputees, establishing and maintaining infection-free dermal-barriers for percutaneous devices, prevention and treatment of traumatic injuries, bone and soft tissue biomechanics, human and animal joint kinematics, and spine biomechanics.

Research Statement

My research has the potential to transform how patients with amputations connect their external prosthetic devices to their residual limbs, aiming to maximize their functional recovery and quality of life. My work ranges from basic bench-top science to trials with translational animal models and FDA-monitored clinical studies, all focused on bringing safe, FDA-approved percutaneous osseointegrated (OI) devices to this deserving patient group. The concept of OI relies on the ability of human bone cells to attach to a metal surface. OI has been used for decades to anchor common dental and orthopedic devices to the human body. More recently, OI has been adapted for patients with amputations. Similar to dental and orthopedic applications, OI is used to secure an endoprosthesis to living bone. However, my research goes beyond this approach. I design and engineer percutaneous OI devices, which involve a load-bearing metal post connected to the OI endoprosthesis, then permanently passed through the skin to connect with the components outside the body.

Education History

Undergraduate Colorado State University
 BS
Graduate Training University of Michigan
 MS
Doctoral Training University of Utah
 PhD

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Isackson D, Cook KJ, McGill LD, Bachus K (2013). Mesenchymal stem cells increase collagen infiltration and improve wound healing response to porous titanium percutaneous implants. Medical engineering & physics, 35(6), 743-53. (Read full article)
  2. Taylor CE, Henninger HB, Bachus K (2021). Virtual implantation technique to estimate endoprosthetic contact of percutaneous osseointegrated devices in the tibia. Medical engineering & physics, 93, 1-7. (Read full article)
  3. Henninger HB, Barg A, Anderson AE, Bachus KN, Burks RT, Tashjian R (2012). Effect of lateral offset center of rotation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a biomechanical study. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 21(9), 1128-35. (Read full article)
  4. Henninger HB, Barg A, Anderson AE, Bachus KN, Tashjian RZ, Burks R (2012). Effect of deltoid tension and humeral version in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a biomechanical study. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 21(4), 483-90. (Read full article)
  5. Taylor CE, Zhang Y, Qiu Y, Henninger HB, Foreman KB, Bachus K (2020). Estimated forces and moments experienced by osseointegrated endoprostheses for lower extremity amputees. Gait & posture, 80, 49-55. (Read full article)
  6. Drew AJ, Taylor CE, Tashjian RZ, Chalmers PN, Henninger HB, Bachus K (2020). Initial stability of a percutaneous osseointegrated endoprosthesis with proximal interlocking screws for transhumeral amputees. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 72, 108-114. (Read full article)
  7. Jeyapalina S, Mitchell SJ, Agarwal J, Bachus K (2019). Biomimetic coatings and negative pressure wound therapy independently limit epithelial downgrowth around percutaneous devices. Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine, 30(6), 71. (Read full article)
  8. Jeyapalina S, Colombo JS, Beck JP, Agarwal JP, Schmidt LA, Bachus K (2020). Epidermal growth factor receptor genes are overexpressed within the periprosthetic soft-tissue around percutaneous devices: A pilot study. Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials, 108(2), 527-537. (Read full article)
  9. Pawar DRL, Jeyapalina S, Bachus K (2020). Evaluation of soft-tissue response around laser microgrooved titanium percutaneous devices. Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials, 108(5), 2031-2040. (Read full article)
  10. Jeyapalina S, Beck JP, Drew A, Bloebaum RD, Bachus K (2019). Variation in bone response to the placement of percutaneous osseointegrated endoprostheses: A 24-month follow-up in sheep. PloS one, 14(10), e0221850. (Read full article)
  11. Taylor CE, Drew AJ, Zhang Y, Qiu Y, Bachus KN, Foreman KB, Henninger H (2020). Upper extremity prosthetic selection influences loading of transhumeral osseointegrated systems. PloS one, 15(8), e0237179. (Read full article)
  12. Aliaj K, Feeney GM, Sundaralingam B, Hermans T, Foreman KB, Bachus KN, Henninger H (2020). Replicating dynamic humerus motion using an industrial robot. PloS one, 15(11), e0242005. (Read full article)
  13. Drew AJ, Tashjian RZ, Henninger HB, Bachus K (2019). Sex and Laterality Differences in Medullary Humerus Morphology. Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J., 302(10), 1709-1717. (Read full article)
  14. Taylor CE, Henninger HB, Bachus K (2021). Cortical and medullary morphology of the tibia. Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J., 304(3), 507-517. (Read full article)
  15. Shelton TJ, Steele AE, Saiz AM, Bachus KN, Skedros J (2018). The Circle-Fit Method Helps Make Reliable Cortical Thickness Measurements Regardless of Humeral Length. Geriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation, 9, 2151459318818163. (Read full article)
  16. Eli IM, Karsy M, Brodke DS, Bachus KN, Couldwell WT, Dailey AT, Mazur M (2020). Restabilization of the Occipitocervical Junction After a Complete Unilateral Condylectomy: A Biomechanical Comparison of Unilateral and Bilateral Fixation Techniques. Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.), 19(2), 157-164. (Read full article)
  17. Dunn JA, Taylor CE, Wong B, Henninger HB, Bachus KN, Foreman K (2022). Testing Precision and Accuracy of an Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Targeting Task Assessment. Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translation, 4(3), 100202. (Read full article)
  18. Karczewski AM, Zeng W, Stratchko LM, Bachus KN, Poore SO, Dingle A (2022). Clinical Basis for Creating an Osseointegrated Neural Interface. Frontiers in neuroscience, 16, 828593. (Read full article)
  19. Taylor CE, Henninger HB, Bachus K (2021). Finite Element Analysis of Transhumeral and Transtibial Percutaneous Osseointegrated Endoprosthesis Implantation. Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, 2, (Read full article)
  20. Skedros JG, Cronin JT, Dayton MR, Bloebaum RD, Bachus K (2023). Exploration of the Synergistic Role of Cortical Thickness Asymmetry ("Trabecular Eccentricity" concept) in Reducing Fracture Risk in the Human Femoral Neck and a Control Bone (Artiodactyl Calcaneus). Journal of theoretical biology, 111495. (Read full article)
  21. Dunn JA, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Henninger HB, Bachus KN, Foreman K (2024). Extended physiological proprioception is affected by transhumeral Socket-Suspended prosthesis use. Journal of biomechanics, 166, 112054. (Read full article)
  22. Skedros JG, Dayton MR, Bloebaum RD, Bachus KN, Cronin J (2024). Strain-mode-specific mechanical testing and the interpretation of bone adaptation in the deer calcaneus. Journal of anatomy, 244(3), 411-423. (Read full article)
  23. Skedros JG, Dayton MR, Cronin JT, Mears CS, Bloebaum RD, Wang X, Bachus K (2024). Roles of collagen cross-links and osteon collagen/lamellar morphotypes in equine third metacarpals in tension and compression tests. The Journal of experimental biology, 227(14), (Read full article)
  24. Dunn JA, Gomez NG, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Henninger HB, Foreman KB, Bachus K (2024). Transhumeral prosthesis use affects upper body kinematics and kinetics. Gait & posture, 112, 59-66. (Read full article)
  25. Dunn JA, Gomez NG, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Foreman KB, Bachus KN, Henninger H (2024). Transhumeral prosthesis use and disuse affects whole-body angular momentum. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 120, 106365. (Read full article)
  26. Miller A, Beck JP, White A, Agarwal J, Bachus KN, Jeyapalina S, Van Dyke (2025). Utilization of Bulk RNA Sequencing for the Evaluation of Keratin Nanomaterials as a Coating for Percutaneous Devices. Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials, 113(3), e35551. (Read full article)
  27. Steyl SK, Beck JP, Agarwal JP, Bachus KN, Rou DL, Jeyapalina (2023). Fluorapatite-Coated Percutaneous Devices Promote Wound Healing and Limit Epithelial Downgrowth at the Skin-Device Interface. Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, 2023, 2212035. (Read full article)
  28. Sears L, Deshmukh A, Mereddy R, Go V, Nemke B, Lu Y, Zeng W, Suminski AJ, Markel M, Bachus KN, Morizio J, Poore SO, Dingle A (2025). Pre-clinical development of a wireless neural interface system for osseointegrated prosthetic control in sheep. Frontiers in neuroscience, 19, 1681136. (Read full article)

Conference Proceedings

  1. Carolyn E. Taylor, Alex J. Drew, Kent N. Bachus, Heath B. Henninger, K. Bo Forema (2019). “Upper extremity prosthetic devices influence loading of transhumeral osseointegrated systems.

Abstract

  1. Brodke DS, Clark R, Bachus K (2006). Biomechanical Evaluation of a Novel Anterior Cervial Plate System.
  2. Fassett D, Brodke DS, Clark R, Bachus KN, Dailey (2004). A biomechanical comparison of dynamic and static anterior cervical plates in a trauma model.
  3. Akyuz E, Braun JT, Brown NAT, Bachus K (2007). THE RESPONSE OF THE GROWTH PLATE TO ASYMMETRIC MECHANICAL STIMULI.
  4. Bachus KN, Brodke DS, Chappius (2007). Augmenting Osteoporotic Sacra for Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation.
  5. Pelt, CA, Beals, TC, Turner, C, Foreman K B, Bachus K (2009). MicroCT Density Analysis of the Medial Wall of the Human Medial Cuneiform.
  6. Finn Michael A, Brodke DS, Bachus K (2008). The rescue screw in anterior cervical fusion: comparisons of insertional torque and stiffness.
  7. Finn Michael A, Brodke DS, Bachus K (2008). The cervical end of occipitocervical fusion: a biomechanical evaluation of three constructs.
  8. Finn Michael A, Brodke DS, Bachus K (2008). In vitro biomechanics of a novel cervical total disk implant.
  9. Isackson D, Bailey B, Brown NA, Bachus K (2008). Dermal Barriers to Prevent Infection of Percutaneous Implants.
  10. Bachus KN, Brodke DS, Klimo P, Hines J, Dailey A (2005). STATIC, ROTATIONALLY DYNAMIC AND TRANSLATIONALLY DYNAMIC CERVICAL PLATE BIOMECHANICS IN A HUMAN CADAVERIC MODEL.
  11. Hunt KJ, Braun JT, Sorenson SM,Bachus K (2007). CREATION OF SCOLIOSIS IN AN IMMATURE GOAT: EVALUATION OF FUSIONLESS SCOLIOSIS IMPLANT STRATEGIES OF VARYING RIGIDITY.
  12. Finn Michael A, Bachus KN, Brodke D (2008). Local and global subaxial cervical spine biomechanics after single-level fusion or cervical arthroplasty with a novel implant.
  13. Akyuz E, Braun JT, Brown NAT, Bachus K (2006). THE RESPONSE OF THE GROWTH PLATE TO ASYMMETRIC MECHANICAL STIMULI.
  14. Bloebaum R D, Beck J P, Olsen R, Norlund L,Bachus K (2009). Development of a Single Stage Surgical Model for Percutaneous Osseointegrated Implants for Amputees.
  15. Shelton T J, Bloebaum R D, Bachus K (2009). Vertical Forces of Percutaneous, Osseointegrated Implants of an Ambulating Ovine Amputation Model.
  16. Bachus K N, Lobo A (2009). An Overload Protection Device for Percutaneous, Osseointegrated Implants for Amputees.
  17. Isackson D, Bailey B, Brown NAT, Petty C, Bachus K (2009). An Investigation of Infection Rate and Porous Metal Dermal Barriers.
  18. Campbell J R, Schabel K L, Horwitz D S, Bachus K (2009). Iatrogenic Femoral Fracture Resulting from Trochanteric Nail Orientation.
  19. Campbell J R, Schabel K L, Horwitz D S, Bachus K (2009). Cortical Thickness and Inner Canal Diameter Ratio: A Risk Factor for Iatrogenic Femoral Fracture.
  20. Jeyapalina S, Beck JP, Bloebaum RD, Bachus K (2010). A Pig Model to Evaluate the Ability of Porous Titanium Coated Subdermal Disks to Prevent Infection in Transcutaneous Osseointegrated Implants.
  21. Isaacson BM, Vance RE, Rosenbaum Chou TG, Bloebaum RD, Bachus KN, Webster, J (2010). Assessing implant strength and stability in an in vitro osseointegration model using resonance frequency.
  22. Jeyapalina S, Beck JP, Bachus KN, Bloebaum R (2010). Skin tissue response to a percutaneous osseointegrated implant: A sheep amputation model.
  23. Beck JP, Bachus KN, Jeyapalina S, Epperson RT, Bloebaum R (2010). Bone response to load bearing percutaneous osseointegrated implants for amputees: A sheep amputation model.
  24. Braun JT, Ogilvie JW, Brodke DS, Bachus KN, Akuyz (2003). Correction of experimental scoliosis without fusion using a flexible ligament tether versus a rigid shape memory alloy staple.
  25. Baschuk, C M, Shelton, T J, Bloebaum, R D, Bachus, K (2010). Variance of Femoral Bow in the Sagittal Plane Based on Age, Gender and Ethnicity for Percutaneous, Osseointegrated Implants.
  26. Shelton, T J, Bloebaum, R D, Bachus, K (2010). Percutaneous, Osseointegrated Implants: A 12 Month Study of Limb Compensation in an Amputated Ovine Model.
  27. Bachus, KN, Shelton, T J, Jeyapalina, S, Bloebaum, R (2010). Bone Ingrowth and Mechanical Stability of Percutaneous, Osseointegrated Implants.
  28. Spencer Naser, Dorthyann Isackson, David Grainger, Paul Hogrebe, Kent Bachu (2010). Mechanical Properties and the In Vivo Response to Porous Polyurethane: An Evaluation to Provide an Effective Subdermal Barrier against Infection.
  29. Beck JP, Jeyapalina S, Drew A, Bloebaum RD, Bachus K (2017). 24-Month Evaluation of a Distally Loaded Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthetic System in a Large Animal Amputation Model.
  30. Jeyapalina S, Mitchell SJ, Agarwal J, Bachus K (2017). Biomimetic Coatings and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Limit Epithelial Downgrowth Around Percutaneous Devices. San Diego, CA,
  31. Phippen CM, Langston TD, Mears CS, Drew AJ, Bachus KN, Nielsen MT, Skedros J (2017). Clinical Radiographic Projections of the Upper Humerus can Result in Substantial Errors When Quantifying the Deltoid Tuberosity Index, Cortical Index, and Other Morphological Characteristics: A Controlled Study in Cadaveric Humeri.
  32. Taylor CE, Henninger HB, Bachus K (2019). Analysis of medullary tibial morphology to guide intramedullary percutaneous osseointegrated implant design. PS2-084.
  33. Dunn JA, Taylor CE, Bachus KN, Henninger HB, Foreman K (2020). Targeted Task Proprioception Protocol Validation Study (Virtual Presentation).
  34. Dunn JA, Taylor CE, Bachus KN, Henninger HB, Foreman K (2020). Targeted Task Proprioception Protocol Validation Study (Conference canceled due to COVID-19).
  35. Dunn JA, Henninger HB, Foreman KB, Bachus K (2022). Inconsistent Use of Complex Upper Extremity Prostheses May Contribute to Back Pain.
  36. Dunn JA, Taylor CE, Bachus KN, Henninger HB, Foreman K (2021). Testing Accuracy and Precision of a Proprioceptive Targeting Task.
  37. Dunn JA, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Henninger HB, Bachus KN, Foreman K (2023). Socket Suspended Prostheses Affect Upper Extremity Kinematics During Proprioceptive Reaching .
  38. Dunn JA, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Henninger HB, Bachus KN, Foreman K (2023). The effect of unilateral transhumeral prosthesis use and disuse on gait kinematics and kinetics.
  39. Dunn JA, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Henninger HB, Bachus KN, Foreman K (2023). Upper Extremity Kinematics are Affected by Socket Suspended Prostheses during Reaching Motions.
  40. Dunn JA, Wong B, Sinclair SK, Henninger HB, Bachus KN, Foreman K (2023). Use of a Socket-Suspended Prosthesis Affects Upper Extremity Kinematics During Unilateral Activities of Daily Living.