Background
Dr. Christopher Chen received an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for studying musculoskeletal tissue mechanics/medical devices and gained postdoctoral training from Cornell University in the fields of joint mechanics, orthopedics, tissue engineering, and musculoskeletal biochemistry/histology. Dr. Chen is also a registered professional engineer in multiple states with significant expertise in design and computer simulation/modeling of mechanical systems.
Dr. Chen’s experience includes orthopedic biomechanics, traumatic (sub-traumatic) injuries, and musculoskeletal tissue regeneration such as orthopedic surgical repair of soft tissues (cartilage, ligament/tendon, meniscus, and spinal disc), bone fracture/healing, as well as soft tissue injuries. He has contributed to more than 100 scientific papers in the field of orthopedics, sports medicine, tissue mechanics, and bioengineering and continues to be involved with teaching biomechanics to graduate/medical students, residents, and orthopedic surgeons. His studies were supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DoD), and numerous research foundations (ANRF, AOSSM, and OREF).
Dr. Chen’s primary areas of consulting expertise include biomechanical/injury consistency, accident reconstruction, medical device product liability, and medical technology. He uses computer simulations and mathematical models to analyze vehicle dynamics and to perform biomechanical analysis on cases involving in low-speed accidents, sport injuries, and other accidental events.
Education and Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: National Taiwan University
- Mechanical Engineering, M.S.: University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Bioengineering (Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering), Ph.D.: University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Postdoctoral Training in Orthopedic Mechanics/Molecular Biology/Tissue Engineering: Cornell University
- Professional Engineer: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin
- Certified Bosch© CDR Tool Technician: IPTM (2018)
- XL Tribometrist (CXLT): Excel Tribometers (2018)
- Remote Pilot for Drone/UAS by FAA (2023)
- Certified Forensic Engineer by National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE): Senior member
Associations and Memberships
- Memberships
- 1991 – American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- 2000 – Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
- 2022 – Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- 2024 – National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)
- 2024 – National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists (NAPARS)
Publications
(selection from 100+ scientific/engineering articles)
- “A biomechanical analysis of biotenodesis screw versus bone tunnel methods to restore function of chronic ruptured Achilles tendon by flexor hallucis longus transfer.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 2017; 56(4):813-816.
- “Type 2 Diabetes and Metformin Influence on Fracture Healing in an Experimental Rat Model.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2016; 55(5):955-60.
- “Tissue Explant Models.” In the book of Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Management, Ed. by Steve Olson and Farshid Guilak, of Springer Science, New York, 2015.
- “Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid and Bone Mineral Density in the General Population and in Rats with Experimental Hyperuricemia.” Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2015; Jun;30(6):992-9.
- “Full-thickness supraspinatus tears are associated with more synovial inflammation and tissue degeneration than partial-thickness tears.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2011; 20:917-27.
- “Are joint structure and function related to medial knee OA pain? A pilot study.” Clinical Orthopaedic and Related Research. 2011; Oct; 469(10):2866-73.
- “Musculoskeletal effects of obesity.” Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 2009, Feb 21(1):65-70.
- “Development of Experimental Model for Pressure Ulcers in Human Skin.” Wound Repair and Regeneration 2009; 17 (2), A24-A24.
- “Biochemical and biomechanical properties of lesion and adjacent articular cartilage after chondral defect repair in an equine model.” American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2005; Nov 33(11):1647-53.
- “Time, stress, and location dependent chondrocyte death and collagen damage in cyclically loaded articular cartilage.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2003; 21:888-898.
- “Matrix fixed charge density as determined by magnetic resonance microscopy of bioreactor-derived hyaline cartilage correlates with biochemical and biomechanical properties.” Arthritis & Rheumatism 2003; 48(4): 1047-56.
- “Transient and cyclic responses of strain-generated potential in rabbit patellar tendon are frequency and pH dependent.” Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2000;122(5):465-70.
- “A fiber matrix model for interstitial fluid flow and permeability in ligament and tendon.” Biorheology 1998; 35:103-118 (Cover highlighted article).