A semi-analytic elastic rod model of pediatric spinal deformity

Abstract

The mechanism of the scoliotic curve development in healthy adolescents remains unknown in the field of orthopedic surgery. Variations in the sagittal curvature of the spine are believed to be a leading cause of scoliosis in this patient population. Here, we formulate the mechanics of S-shaped slender elastic rods as a model for pediatric spine under physiological loading. Secondarily, applying inverse mechanics to clinical data of the scoliotic spines, with characteristic 3D deformity, we determine the undeformed geometry of the spine before the induction of scoliosis. Our result successfully reproduces the clinical data of the deformed spine under varying loads confirming that the pre-scoliotic sagittal curvature of the spine impacts the 3D loading that leads to scoliosis.