Development of a Finite Element Model of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine with Ribs for Idiopathic EOS
Friday, June 2, 2023
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
BIOMED Master's Thesis Defense
Title:
Development of a Finite Element Model of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine with Ribs for Idiopathic Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS)
Speaker:
Manav Sanjay Divekar, Master's Candidate
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University
Advisor:
Sriram Balasubramanian, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University
Details:
Early onset scoliosis (EOS) is a spinal curvature condition affecting children below the age of 10 years. It can lead to progressive spinal and ribcage deformities, causing thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) and respiratory difficulties. The current treatment options for EOS lack consensus among clinicians, necessitating the development of computational models to assist in pre-operative planning and surgical technique selection. Finite Element (FE) modeling, widely used in various medical applications, can play a crucial role in this regard. However, current FE models for EOS are limited and not patient-specific. This study aims to develop a patient-specific (PS) FE model of the thoracic and lumbar spine with 12 pairs of ribs for a one-year-old idiopathic EOS subject. Such an FE model can serve as a template for creating individualized PS-FE models.
Retrospective chest and abdominal CT scans of a one-year-old male idiopathic EOS patient were obtained after Institutional Review Board approval. CT images were processed using 3D Slicer software to digitally reconstruct the anatomical structures. Hexahedral meshes were created using Ansys ICEM CFD and Hypermesh software, incorporating the segmented geometries of vertebrae, ribs, intervertebral discs (IVDs), and spinal ligaments. The block structures were generated based on the individual vertebra and rib geometries, ensuring an accurate representation of anatomical features. Soft tissues, including IVDs and spinal ligaments, were modeled using appropriate meshing techniques. The final FE model consisted of 335,669 high-quality hexahedral elements.
The developed FE model represents the first comprehensive hexahedral model of the thoracic and lumbar spine, including ribs, for a one-year-old idiopathic EOS subject. This model serves as a foundational template for creating patient-specific FE models in the future. Such FE models will help stimulate growth and surgical procedures, providing valuable insights for clinicians in surgical technique selection and treatment planning. The high-quality mesh elements meet the criteria for acceptable mesh quality.
In conclusion, the idiopathic EOS patient-specific FE model presented in this study offers a significant advancement in the development of computational modeling tools to aid in the understanding and management of idiopathic EOS. Such FE models will help lay the groundwork for future research and clinical applications, facilitating personalized treatment approaches and improved outcomes for pediatric patients with EOS.
Contact Information
Natalia Broz
njb33@drexel.edu