Athena Jalalian1, Ian Gibson2, Eng Hock Tay1. 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Block EA, #02-10, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576. 2. Engineering Design and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Engineering, Block E1A, #03-03, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576. Electronic address: enggi@nus.edu.sg.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biomechanical computer models of the spine have important roles in the treatment and correction of scoliosis by providing predictive information for surgeons and other clinicians. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews computational models of intact and scoliotic spine and its components; vertebra, intervertebral disc, ligament, facet joints, and muscle. Several spine models, developed using multi-body modelling and finite element modelling schemes, and their pros and cons are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The review reveals that scoliosis modelling is performed for 3 main applications: 1) brace simulation; 2) analysis of surgical correction technique; and 3) patient positioning before surgical instrumentation. The models provide predictive information for a priori choice of brace configurations and mechanically effective surgical correction techniques and the expected degree of correction. However, they have many shortcomings: for instance, they do not fully reproduce the active behaviour of the spine and the models' properties are not personalized.
BACKGROUND: Biomechanical computer models of the spine have important roles in the treatment and correction of scoliosis by providing predictive information for surgeons and other clinicians. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews computational models of intact and scoliotic spine and its components; vertebra, intervertebral disc, ligament, facet joints, and muscle. Several spine models, developed using multi-body modelling and finite element modelling schemes, and their pros and cons are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The review reveals that scoliosis modelling is performed for 3 main applications: 1) brace simulation; 2) analysis of surgical correction technique; and 3) patient positioning before surgical instrumentation. The models provide predictive information for a priori choice of brace configurations and mechanically effective surgical correction techniques and the expected degree of correction. However, they have many shortcomings: for instance, they do not fully reproduce the active behaviour of the spine and the models' properties are not personalized.