The proposed work will develop a three-dimensional model of the scoliotic spine. The curvature and length will be determined from radiographs, and the material properties will be initially obtained from published literature. The model will then be used to predict the correction expected by a given surgical procedure employing a certain number of fixation sites (where the spine is attached to a rigid rod to correct the scoliosis). The simulation results will then be compared with data obtained from post operative radiographs. The project will lead to the development of a theoretically oriented biomedical engineer with excellent ties to the clinical world; and if successful, it may also result in the reduction of the number of fixation sites used for the operative procedure.
