Background
Dr. Ricky Zhang holds a B.S. degree in Mechatronics Engineering, an M.S. in Bioengineering, and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. He specializes in injury mechanism analysis, human movement, and the biomechanical response of the musculoskeletal system to applied forces. His expertise spans both experimental testing and computational modeling, enabling a comprehensive approach to evaluating injury, performance, and treatment strategies.
Dr. Zhang applies advanced biomechanical principles to analyze the dynamics of human injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions, slips, trips, and falls. He also performs accident reconstruction to evaluate how forces and motions during an incident contribute to injury mechanisms. His extensive expertise in human anatomy and joint biomechanics allows for a detailed assessment of injury causation, potential prevention strategies, and tissue-level response under various loading conditions.
Prior to joining Rimkus, Dr. Zhang led advanced research focused on pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. He developed and executed biomechanical testing protocols to evaluate joint kinematics and kinetics following injury and surgical intervention. His work also involved using MRI-based images and finite element analysis to investigate how joint structures respond to dynamic motion and external forces. Beyond the knee joint, Dr. Zhang has contributed to a wide range of biomechanical studies involving ligaments, tendons, and bone tissue. His research has informed of improvements in injury detection, prevention, and surgical treatments across multiple anatomical systems.
Dr. Zhang has authored publications in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics and Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. He has presented his work at international conferences such as the Orthopaedic Research Society and the ASME Summer Bioengineering Conference. In addition, he actively serves as a peer reviewer for journals, including Clinics and Practice, Diagnostics, Biomechanics, Surgeries, and Biomedicines.
Education and Certifications
- Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D.: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University (2025)
- Bioengineering, M.S.: University of Pittsburgh (2020)
- Mechatronics Engineering, B.S.: Northwestern Polytechnical University (2014)
- Past and Present Memberships: Biomedical Engineering Society, Orthopaedic Research Society
Publications
- Zhang Y, “Biomechanical Evaluation of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Techniques”, 2025, Doctoral Dissertation.
- Zhang Y, Gurbuz K, Opperman L, Spang JT, and Fisher MB, “Physeal-sparing ACL Reconstruction Provides Better Initial Joint Biomechanics than Complete Transphyseal ACL Reconstruction in an Early Adolescent Porcine Model”, 2025, Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics (in press).
- Gurbuz K, Zhang Y, Opperman L, and Fisher MB, “Soaking in Povidone-Iodine, Chlorhexidine, Teicoplanin, Vancomycin, and Saline Solution Differentially Alters Porcine Flexor Tendon Size and Biomechanical Properties”, 2025, Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation (in press).
- Zhang Y, Gurbuz K, Chavez-Arellano J, Opperman L, Spang JT, and Fisher MB, “Age-Related Increases in Graft Tendon Size and Stiffness During Skeletal Growth Enhance ACL Graft Function and Joint Stability in an Early Adolescent Porcine Model”, 2025, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering (under review).
- Gurbuz K, Zhang Y, Opperman L, Spang JT, and Fisher MB, “Physeal-sparing ACL Reconstruction in Early Adolescent Porcine Models Provides Better Anterior Stability but Similar Tissue Function Compared to Juvenile Porcine Models”, 2025, Clinical Biomechanics (under review).
- Zhang Y, Gurbuz K, Opperman L, Spang JT, and Fisher MB, “Selective Bundle Anterior Cruciate LigamentCL Reconstruction Partially Restores Minor Changes in Joint Stability but Does Not Restore the Normal ACL Bundle Force Distribution in an Adolescent Porcine Model”, 2025, Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (under review).
- Zhang Y, “Measurement of 6 by 6 Stiffness Matrix of the Knee Joint: Basis for Biomechanical Principles of Knee Surgery”, 2020, Master’s Thesis.