Henninger Research Group

My research team focuses on the biomechanics of the human shoulder. The glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints function across a wide range of motion and rely on both active and passive soft tissues for stability. Proper shoulder function requires a balance of these constraints; disruptions in muscle forces or morphology due to injury or pathology can alter joint motion and lead to dislocation, osteoarthritis, pain, and loss of function. Our overarching goal is to characterize both healthy and pathologic shoulder mechanics and to evaluate the biomechanical implications of surgical treatment. This foundational understanding supports the development of improved strategies for treating acute and chronic shoulder dysfunction.

We apply biomechanical engineering principles to study shoulder kinematics and the stress-strain behavior of tissues within the joint. Our work also examines how 3D scapular and humeral morphology relates to pathology and informs clinical decision-making and surgical indications. To support these investigations, we employ a range of experimental and computational tools, including dynamic stereoradiography for in vivo kinematic measurement; 3D reconstruction of medical image data using Mimics and 3-matic; a biorobotic shoulder simulator driven by in vivo human kinematics; benchtop testing of repair construct strength (Instron/MTS); optical motion tracking systems (DMAS and Optotrak); statistical shape modeling of bony morphology (e.g., ShapeWorks); and finite element analysis (e.g., FEBio).

Current research interests include reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, surgical planning, medical imaging, transhumeral amputation, percutaneous osseointegrated implant systems, rotator cuff and biceps tenodesis repair constructs, and the mechanical properties of soft tissues.

Our group maintains active collaborations with surgeons and researchers in the Departments of Orthopaedics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physical Therapy at the University.