Interventions
By studying the relationship between tissue microarchitecture, material properties, and biomechanical function, failure risks can be better predicted and treatments for orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis and spinal surgery, can be optimized.
In healthy conditions, orthopedic tissues work together to enable mobility and withstand the complex and dynamic mechanical loads placed on the human body during daily activities. However, this biomechanical function can be severely compromised by trauma (such as ACL rupture) or by degenerative diseases including osteoporosis, arthritis, or intervertebral disc degeneration.
The goal of our research is to better understand the relationship between tissue microarchitecture, material properties, and biomechanical function, so that we can more accurately predict failure risk and evaluate treatment strategies. To achieve this, we combine advanced imaging techniques鈥攕uch as high鈥憆esolution computed tomography (CT)鈥攚ith computational and experimental biomechanics approaches, including (deep鈥憀earning鈥慳ssisted) finite element modeling.
Through this integrative and multiscale approach, we aim to assess and optimize novel restorative treatments for orthopedic disorders. Examples include optimizing patient鈥憇pecific treatments for early鈥憃nset scoliosis and improving the microstructure of additively manufactured cages for spinal fusion.