Research Challenge 2: Modelling Spinal Biomechanics

Research challenge 2 (RC2) is centred around the need for the development of an advanced spinal rigid-body modelling technique. This is required to determine the expected vertebral loads and motion across a range of daily activities. Additionally, the model should be able to judge the impact of tumour progression and pain on the spinal biomechanics.

The key outputs from RC2 include a load-motion spectra across a range of simulated daily activities at the vertebra level. This includes scenarios observed to have higher risks of failure. These outputs will assist in defining the specification for 3D printing and designing the minimally invasive implants. This model may also help predict the fracture risk of patients in a range of tumour progression stages and testing regimes in the later stages of research.

To find out more about OncoEng’s research challenges, click here.