Application of Parametric Solid Modeling for Orthopedic Studies of the Human Spine

Nowadays it is very important that technical people make use and apply available technologies and methodologies to their field of work. In the en gineering field there are many computer-based tools that can have a significant positive impact o n he manner that several processes and procedures are currently performed, thus making the m more efficient and effective. And as educators, it is important to expose students to th ese technologies, and it is important to motivate their use during their time on campus. One such technology in the area of Computer-Aided E ngineering (CAE) is parametric solid modeling, and one such field would be the field of bi mechanics. Parametric solid modeling was initially implemented in a commercial CAD software more than 25 years ago, and right from the start it was identified as a technique that – prope ly applied – would result in a positive impact in various phases of the engineering design process. B iomechanics as well can be considered a relatively new field in engineering, dealing with t he application of engineering mechanics to study anatomical and functional aspects of biologic al systems. In the biomechanics field we have spine biomechanics and orthopedics, which deal with studying musculoskeletal systems. Students were exposed to these two areas, parametri c solid modeling and biomechanics, in the context of a Design Senior Project. One of the most critical problems that doctors and researchers encounter is the lack of effective tool s to study, in this case, the human spine. The typical approach is to perform studies with cadaver spines, or with some highly-regulated in-vivo studies on animals. Both alternatives have benefits bu they have many limitations as well, thus the need for other tools that will help in their st udies. The objective of this project was to create a fully parametric three-dimensional model of the human spine; with fully parametric implying that ev ery defining dimension of the model can be adjusted at any point throughout creation, or even once the model has been generated. The intention is to be able to represent and analyze va rious orthopedic conditions of the human spine, such as scoliosis. The senior design team faced man y challenges, as with any new area of study, but at the end they had a very rewarding experience that has nicely complemented their college education. This project has particular significance because of the completeness of computerbased technologies utilized; programming and visual zation tools were applied to complement the tools offered by CAD software, in order to have usable techniques. Technically, this project is one step towards the creation of a virtual envir onment where implants can be tested, and surgical procedures and instruments can be probed, and even customizing them for the case at hand. Pedagogically, although very challenging for the students involved, this project was an excellent way to showcase the applicability of engi neering concepts and techniques to other fields.