The pathomechanics of many musculoskeletal spinal disorders are still poorly understood, which makes it challenging to develop and apply effective preventive strategies, treatment modalities and rehabilitation plans.
Moreover, the outcomes of currently practiced care pathways are usually evaluated through clinical tests, medical imaging or questionnaires, whereas the effects on the functional dynamics of the spine remain largely unknown.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) modeling and simulations represent an attractive approach to non-invasively investigate the relationships between spinal structure and function in terms of position/motion and internal biomechanical loading. Within the past decade, several MSK models of the thoracolumbar spine with different levels of detail were presented. However, most of these models are based on generic morphologic properties and few modeling studies incorporate subject-specific properties, specific spinal disorders, and/or measurement of spinal motion in patients. Similarly, a number of studies have sought to use methods such as optical motion capture or IMU-based motion analysis to measure spinal motion, but few studies have examined the effects of spinal disorders or treatments.
We have initiated a special issue in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology to publish research works that address the mechanics of disease onset and progression in spinal disorders, as well as the effects of currently practiced conservative and surgical treatments on the functional dynamics of the spine. Accompanying the special issue of Frontier Bioengineering and Biotechnology, this virtual symposium is aimed at offering a platform wherein researchers who would like to publish their works in our special issue in Frontiers can present their works and receive feedback from peers.
All abstracts submitted to the Frontiers special topic through March 15, 2021 will be considered for presentation at the virtual symposium. The program committee will review all submissions and make invitations to present by April 5, 2021.