Development of a computational model to optimise adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction

There is little consensus among spinal surgeons on the use of correction techniques in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery. For example, the choice of bilateral, concave or convex all-screw instrumentation to achieve optimal correction is debated [1]. As there is lack of biomechanical comparison for pre-operative guidance, the ultimate aim of this project is to assess the solutions for AIS correction across common scoliotic patterns encountered in clinical practice using computer simulations. Previous studies have used patient-specific models (developed from CT/MRI scans), so it is challenging to compare techniques for different cases and draw conclusions. This study aims to develop a validated generic spine model that excludes patient-specific features and can be repositioned to become scoliotic and used for optimising AIS correction