Musculoskeletal simulations towards a subject-specific spino-pelvic load transfer prediction

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Hendrik Schmidt
• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 439742772

Based on our worldwide, unique in vivo telemetric measurements of spinal and hip loads, we developed validated musculoskeletal models. With these models, we aim to decode the interrelation between spino-pelvic (mal-)alignment (Morphology) and the resulting spinal loads (Mechanics). We will further identify individuals (asymptomatic subjects and low back pain patients) who are at high risk of mechanical overload. We hypothesize that (1) the spino-pelvic alignment regulates physical forces and movements. (2) This interaction changes over time, varies between sexes, and is associated with pain. Given these results, predictor-based algorithms will be established to define inclusion-exclusion criteria for appropriate patient selection prior to a surgery. The use of such biomechanical analyses will allow us to differentiate mechanical reasoning leading to spinal degeneration from reasoning that is not mechanic-related. With such an approach, we aim to identify structural and shape-related characteristics that could serve as clinical diagnostic markers and link spinal morphology, loads, tissue straining and adaptation to specific patient pain descriptions.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5177: The Dynamics of the Spine: Mechanics, Morphology and Motion towards a comprehensive Diagnosis of Low Back Pain
• International Connection: Iran
• Co-Investigators: Professor Adamantios Arampatzis, Ph.D.; Dr. Stefan Zachow
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr.-Ing. Navid Arjmand