RESEARCH ARTICLE


FEM Simulation of Non-Progressive Growth from Asymmetric Loading and Vicious Cycle Theory: Scoliosis Study Proof of Concept



Jonathan Fok 1, Samer Adeeb 2, Jason Carey1, *
1 Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
2 Civil Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada


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Creative Commons License
© Fok et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited

* Address correspondence to this author at the 4-9 Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G8, Canada; Tel: 780-492-7168; Fax: 780-492-2200; E-mail: jason.carey@ualberta.ca


Abstract

Scoliosis affects about 1-3% of the adolescent population, with 80% of cases being idiopathic. There is currently a lack of understanding regarding the biomechanics of scoliosis, current treatment methods can be further improved with a greater understanding of scoliosis growth patterns. The objective of this study is to develop a finite element model that can respond to loads in a similar fashion as current spine biomechanics models and apply it to scoliosis growth. Using CT images of a non-scoliotic individual, a finite element model of the L3-L4 vertebra was created. By applying asymmetric loading in accordance to the ‘vicious cycle’ theory and through the use of a growth modulation equation it is possible to determine the amount of growth each region of the vertebra will undergo; therefore predict scoliosis growth over a period of time. This study seeks to demonstrate how improved anatomy can expand researchers current knowledge of scoliosis.

Keywords: Scoliosis, finite element analysis, growth, biomechanics, non-progressive..