Validation of Intra-Operative Measurement Apparatus to Determine the Stiffness Properties of Spinal Motion Segments Available to Purchase

The load-displacement behavior of spinal motion segments is commonly determined from in-vitro experiments on cadaveric spines. However, clinically, it is often desirable to quantify the patient specific biomechanical properties of the spine in-vivo. Load-displacement measurement requires direct access to the appropriate anatomy, which is typically available in spinal surgeries that aim to correct lumbar spinal instability or scoliosis. We propose an approach to measure the spinal load-displacement behavior for use during these surgeries.