title: A method for the identification of in-vivo segmental stiffness properties of the spine.
abstract: A numerical algorithm is used to estimate in-vivo segmental stiffness properties of individual spine segments based upon existing load-displacement data. A static nonlinear finite element model stimulates a pathological spine and corrective instrumentation system. A systematic procedure for establishing the model's stiffness parameters is described, in the form of a nonlinear constrained optimal design problem. The numerical method is demonstrated using as an example a case of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis requiring corrective surgery.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical