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Canada Research Chair "Innovations CAO/MAO in orthopedic engineering"
This multidisciplinary chair in biomechanical engineering aims at improving the treatment of
musculoskeletal deformations of the spine by developing computer tools, simulation models and computer-assisted corrective
surgical techniques that are "minimally invasive". The research in "orthopedic engineering" based on
innovative developments in Computer-Aided Design consists of 3 parts:
1) Finite element modeling of orthotic scoliosis treatment using a personalized geometrical model of the patient. This model
will allow testing several concepts of braces and optimizing their design before the fabrication. Mechanical evaluation systems
(pressure matrices, force cells, 3D reconstruction techniques) will make it possible to evaluate the biomechanical
effectiveness of these non-invasive treatments and to adjust the orthosis correctly.
2) The preoperative simulation of surgery using biomechanical models of the trunk personalized for each subject and
incorporated in a CAD system. These analytical models will make it possible to the surgeon to simulate the operative strategy
envisaged on the patient before carrying out the real surgery, in order to test different arrangements and
allow better planning, the least invasive one, to obtain an optimal correction. The development of a "spine surgery
simulator" integrating these simulation models, virtual reality techniques, geometrical modeling and multimodal 3D
imaging will make it possible to carry out the virtual prototyping of surgeries in order to optimize and reduce the
extent of surgery, and also train resident surgeons with these innovative practices.
3) The development of drill guides and computer-assisted tools, 3D measurements, geometrical modeling, 3D imaging and
simulations during the surgery will provide to the surgeon, in real time, a feedback of the correction obtained. These
computer-assisted surgical tools will enable the surgeon to carry out efficiently delicate surgical operations and also to
adjust, during the operation, the various parameters of the intervention to obtain an optimal correction.
Digitizing and movement analysis systems (Optotrak, Polaris, Visualeyez, Motion Star, Inspeck), shape sensors (Measurand), virtual reality visualization system (Immersadesk), pressure sensors, etc.
NSERC, CIHR, FRSQ, IRSST, Medtronic Sofamor-Danek.