Geert Van Ham
Papers
10
Total Citations
179
H-Index
6
About
Geert Van Ham is a pioneering researcher in the field of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery, with a particular focus on total knee arthroplasty (TKA). His work has been instrumental in advancing the precision and reliability of robotic systems for surgical bone preparation, a critical factor in the long-term success of knee implants. Van Ham's most influential contributions center on optimizing bone milling techniques and force-controlled robotic systems for tibial preparation. His landmark 2001 study on bone milling parameters — his most-cited work with 59 citations — systematically examined how variables such as temperature, milling forces, and surface flatness affect surgical outcomes. Complementing this, his 1998 research on machining accuracy using force-controlled robots (36 citations) demonstrated that robotic systems could achieve the high precision necessary for maximizing bone-implant contact in cementless surgery. A significant thread throughout his research is the challenge of accurate tibial registration. Van Ham investigated intramedullary rod-based registration, surface matching techniques, and comparative registration procedures, providing surgeons with evidence-based guidance for improving alignment accuracy. He also explored semi-active milling approaches, addressing safety concerns with fully autonomous robotic systems. Collectively, his body of work has helped lay the technical and clinical foundation for modern robotic knee replacement surgery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 9A force controlled robot as a surgical tool in total knee arthroplasty2 citations · 1998
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