
BTech Mechanical Engineering (2008), Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad
MPhil Biological Sciences (2012), University of New South Wales, Sydney
PhD Spine Biomechanics (2016), University of New South Wales, Sydney
Uphar is a biomechanist with interests in musculoskeletal joints and structures. The overarching goal of his research is to better understand the biomechanics of various musculoskeletal joints and structures, in the intact and pathological states. He is a core member of Spine Labs, a multidisciplinary research group based at St. George Hospital (Kogarah), focusing on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and efficacy of treatment approaches for spinal pain. Over the last decade, he has worked on a wide range of orthopaedics biomechanics projects ranging from maxillofacial implants, shoulder joint pathologies, and spinal implants.
Uphar is passionate about the translation of research into clinical practice. He works at the interface of academia and industry and helps medical device start-up companies to bring novel orthopaedic implants and technologies to clinical use.
Uphar uses a holistic approach in his research to examine clinically relevant biomechanics questions. He has developed novel image processing and finite element modelling techniques for developing patient-specific computer models of musculoskeletal joints using CT and MRI data. He has also developed in vitro biomechanical testing protocols for testing cadaveric specimens for investigating various clinically relevant biomechanics hypothesis in orthopaedics. He is routinely involved in clinical study design, diagnostic imaging studies, analysis of clinical outcomes data, and systematic reviews.
His research interests include
His current research is focused around the biomechanics of lumbar disc herniation, pathogenesis and pathophysiology, loss in segmental stiffness following herniation, the efficacy of surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches, and various factors leading to recurrent herniation.
Uphar serves as the Research Officer (2019-2022) for the AOSpine ANZ council, a leading global community of academics and clinicians for innovative education and research in spinal care.
My Research Supervision
PhD candidates: