MSK Validation Study
MSK Validation Study
Spinal posture and imbalance are known to be related to increased muscle expenditure, with
 narrow "cone of economy" of muscle effort defining the most comfortable postures. Therefore,
 it is hypothesized that predicting the posture of the lowest muscle effort available for a
 patient with a given spinal alignment and body properties will correspond to the posture the
 patient will most likely assume. Based on established musculoskeletal models, a model
 application was configured to allow prediction of this optimal posture. This study aims to
 assess the validity of this approach and the value of using biomechanical modeling for
 pre-operative planning.
The objective of this study is to validate a novel method of post-operative posture
 prediction - a full-body biomechanical model based on an established technology and
 physiological reasoning. Specifically, the model ability to predict postoperative global
 sagittal alignment, including compensatory and reciprocal changes, from pre-operative
 radiographic imaging and the information about planned posture correction will be evaluated.
 This will be realized by comparing model-predicted radiographic measures and overall balance
 to follow-up patient radiographs.

 Having demonstrated model validity to predict postoperative posture will allow to use this
 method for simulating various "what-if" scenarios to empower surgical planning by predicting
 expected outcomes. This can be used to optimizing preoperative planning, which has a
 potential to substantially improved surgery predictability and patient outcomes.

 Furthermore, validated model will allow scientific investigation of the principles governing
 human posture and biomechanics of the pathological spine. Generated scientific knowledge of
 biomechanical factors influencing sagittal posture and surgery outcomes (e.g. number of
 levels fused, amount and distribution of posture correction, etc.) can lead to improvements
 in clinical management of spinal disorders.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. Male or female patients

 2. Any ethnicity

 3. At least 18 years of age

 4. Has undergone a thoracolumbar spinal fusion procedure

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Patient has had a prior spinal surgery (including cervical);

 2. Patient presents scoliosis greater or equal to 20° T4-T12 Cobb angle;

 3. Patient has been diagnosed with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (treated or ntreated);

 4. Patient has had knee, hip or shoulder joint replacement;

 5. Patient has other implants that obstruct the spine and / or pelvis in the lateral
 view;

 6. Patient presents one of the following complications: pseudoarthrosis, instrumentation
 failure or pull-out prior to the follow-up point evaluated in the study.

 7. Patient has a mental or physical condition that would limit the ability to comply with
 study requirements;

 8. Patient is a prisoner.