Abstract
This study aims to propose a new optimization framework for solving spine kinematics based on skin-mounted markers and estimate subject-specific mechanical properties of the intervertebral joints. The approach enforces dynamic consistency in the entire skeletal system over the entire time-trajectory while personalizing spinal stiffness. 3D reflective markers mounted on ten vertebrae during spine motions were measured in ten healthy volunteers. Biplanar X-rays were taken during neutral stance of the subjects wearing the markers. Calculated spine kinematics were compared to those calculated using inverse kinematics (IK) and IK with imposed generic kinematic constraints. Calculated spine kinematics compared well with standing X-rays, with average root mean square differences of the vertebral body center positions below 10.1 mm and below \(3.38^\circ\) for joint orientation angles. For flexion/extension and lateral bending, the lumbar rotation distribution patterns, as well as the ranges of rotations matched in vivo literature data. The approach outperforms state-of-art IK and IK with constraints methods. Calculated ratios reflect reduced spinal stiffness in low-resistance zone and increased stiffness in high-resistance zone. The patterns of calibrated stiffness were consistent with previously reported experimentally determined patterns. This approach will further our insight into spinal mechanics by increasing the physiological representativeness of spinal motion simulations.
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17 May 2021
A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-021-02791-2
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2019YFB1312501), China Scholarship Council (award to the first author, CSC No. 201706230047), Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) under PhD grants (No. 1S35416N and No. SB/1S56017N), the “Medtronic educational chair for spinal deformity research”, internal UZ Leuven Academic research funding (KOOR), and the KU Leuven Internal Funds (Grant No. C24/17/095—ASESP-P).
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We have no conflicts of interest to disclose. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.
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The original online version of this article was revised to change the funding information listed in the “Acknowledgements” to National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2019YFB1312501).
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Wang, W., Wang, D., Falisse, A. et al. A Dynamic Optimization Approach for Solving Spine Kinematics While Calibrating Subject-Specific Mechanical Properties. Ann Biomed Eng 49, 2311–2322 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-021-02774-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-021-02774-3