Clinical Research Unit in Orthopedics (URCO)

3D Imaging and Biomechanical Engineering in the Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis

One of the goals of this project is to create a customized biomechanical model of the spine based on patient X rays and to develop its instrumentation in order to predict and compare results. The research team will also utilize the model to optimize surgical planning and train residents. More specifically, a user-friendly S3 simulator (surgical instrumentation planning software) will be used to rapidly investigate the post-instrumentation effect of many instrumentation techniques on the same scolosis patients in order to identify the best corrective strategy.

The team has developed a highly effective 3D classification system based on results obtained from biomechanical model analyses of the scoliotic spine. The classification is able to categorize various types of curvatures with the help of markers found on different planes of the deformity.

In a constant effort to improve the correction quality of spinal surgeries, the team has designed a peroperative positioning system. Given the fact that a patient’s position on the operating table has significant bearing on surgical results, the team is working on a new multifunctional operating table to be used for all types of spine surgeries.