Basic Research in Biomechanics

In general, biomechanics deals with natural laws of mechanics with respect to human anatomy. We have specialized our work in the field of spine biomechanics. One important aim in biomechanical research is to determine relative motion between one or more vertebral segments and to estimate the influence of different surgical treatment methods on the motion response. In order to measure the interaction of a treatment method on the biological structure, x-rays are usually taken and used for the data evaluation. The major advantage of employing the FXA-method in biomechanical studies is that we are able to quantify most of the effects, visible from the x-rays, which are not accessible under normal circumstances.

Some examples, which could improve study output when utilizing the FXA-Method:

• Measurements of relative motion of pedicle screws in osteoporotic vertebrae
• Implant migration or subsidence
• Determination of RoM and CoR of index and adjacent segments
• Quantification of any relative motion between implants or bony structures
• Quantification of any relative motion on soft tissue utilizing standard photographs

Clinical Studies

Clinical studies have a great importance for experts in the field, because sound study results can directly influence future treatment strategies. Most results arise from a radiological evaluation, which might, be accompanied by statistically significant errors due to manual measurements. Therefore, it is important to select a proper method for the data evaluation process that is independent of the operator.
We see the clinical study support with our FXA-software as one important aspect of our mission to improve knowledge and understanding of the kinematics of the human musculoskeletal system and thereby improve the quality of orthopedic treatment for the patients.

Own Studies

Our employees are mostly from the research field of basic or applied biomechanics. We strive to permanently improve the FXA software and to increase our knowledge and understanding of biomechanics. In close collaboration with the Biomechanical Institute of the University Hospital in Muenster we perform various projects:

• Implant loading as a result of various degrees of freedom of the connecting elements
• Behavior of the polysegmental spine under the application of pure bending moments

The long term goal in the development of the FXA software is the utilization as tool to support diagnosis and to provide evidence based treatment recommendation based on functional diagnostic imaging of the spine.