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Abstract
The aim of this master thesis was to improve the modeling of the intervertebral link and the implant/vertebra complex of an existing model in order to increase the realism of surgery simulations for the treatment of scoliosis. The first hypothesis addressed in this project was that the result of surgery is highly dependent of mechanical properties of the numerical scoliotic spine. The second hypothesis was that the link between the vertebra and the implant influences significantly the surgery result. There were 3 specific aims: (1) The modeling and the evaluation of a new intervertebral joint; (2) The improvement of the personalization techniques of the spine (based upon Petit's works, 2002) and their evaluation. (3) The modeling and the evaluation of a new vertebra/implant link.
Concerning the first hypothesis of the master thesis, the mechanical properties of the intervertebral link do not influence significantly the correction of the spine. However, they highly influence the forces inducted by the surgery. The second hypothesis is verified since the introduction of a link between the vertebra and the implant influences the corrections and the forces induced by the surgery. The different steps of the project have shown the importance of defining correctly the intervertebral links. These results lead to the development of a spine surgery simulator to assist the surgeon in evaluating pre operative strategies. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
