Articulated, statistical 3D shape and bone density model of the human spine for research in clinical biomechanics as well as for individualized diagnosis and therapy planning in orthopaedics

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

For patient-specific biomechanical analysis of musculoskeletal structures in motion, suitable measurement methods are required. Although tomographic imaging is the method of choice to three-dimensionally (3D) assess musculoskeletal morphology in a static prone or supine position, a functional 3D analysis in dynamic or load-bearing situations is currently either technically very demanding or not possible at all. Instead, optical measurements using motion capture systems, wearables that measure acceleration, bending, twisting, or stretching, radiographic projections (fluoroscopy), or ultrasound are the methods of choice in biomechanical research. To assess individual anatomy with respect to functional biomechanics, 3D models of the respective anatomy in combination with computational analysis methods are required. The aim of SP3 is to establish an articulated, statistical 3D shape and bone density model of the human spine from a large set of subjects and to utilize this statistical 3D model in view of an individualization to a specific subject via sparse functional measurements. Furthermore, we are interested in drawing statistically sound conclusions from population data that provide information on the relationships between morphology, movement and mechanics in the context of both clinical diagnostics as well as treatment planning and evaluation.The overall aims of our research are to better understand the inter- and intra-individual variations in spinal morphology and movement as well as to identify interrelationships between the 3Ms (Morphology, Motion and Mechanics) of the spine in view of potential morphological biomarkers that may become associated with spinal dysfunction and pain.The statistical 3D spine model shall serve as a basis for research and education in biomechanics as well as for individual diagnosis and treatment planning in orthopedics. It integrates information from SP1 and SP2 with the goal of identifying clusters that differ significantly in form and function. The correlation analysis based on morphological and structural parameters may lead to novel biomarkers for spinal disease classification or to early indicators for spinal developments that are related to back pain.

• 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
• Co-Investigators: Privatdozent Dr. Matthias Pumberger; Professor Dr. Hendrik Schmidt