Modelling of the spinal cord within the vertebral column for the greater understanding of the aetiology and management of compressive spinal cord pathology

This research project is focused on addressing is degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Regarded as the most prevalent type of spinal cord injury, DCM is the compression of the spinal cord due to the degenerative changes within the vertebral column, leading to impaired spinal cord functionality. Consequently, this often leads to people struggling with hand dexterity issues, instability while walking, and difficulties performing everyday tasks. 

The main aims and objectives of the research study

The aim of this study is to develop anatomically accurate, patient-specific models of the cervical spine that simulate various clinical presentation of spinal cord compression. These models aim to offer new insights into patient-specific management strategies while reducing the reliance of animal testing by providing an ethical and clinically relevant alternative. To achieve this, the objectives are:

• Manufacture full-scale, anatomically accurate spine models using 3D printing from MRI and CT scans.
• Integrate pneumatic, adjustable stiffness actuators to replicate natural spinal cord behaviour and compression.
• Apply uniaxial testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, and digital image correlation to validate spine models.
• Generate data-driven suggestions to guide future clinical research tailored to individual patients.

How this research is going to help address MSK health.

This research will help address MSK health by developing accurate, patient-specific models of the spine to better understand spinal cord compression, improve diagnosis accuracy, and inform data-driven surgical interventions, ultimately enhancing patient-oriented care while also reducing reliance on animal testing within this field of research.

Research results generated.

So far, this research has generated significant results that has advanced the project towards the final aim of this study. A full-scale cervical spinal model has been successfully manufactured using 3D printing, integrating both mechanical that enables the model to replicate the dynamic movements of the spine. Mechanical testing, specifically compression testing, has been conducted on a range of materials with a particular focus on VarioShore thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is a foaming TPU that allows easy adjustment of the mechanical properties by changing the manufacturing parameters. The results from these mechanical tests have enabled the modelling of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) to be highly customisable depending on the patient’s age. Additionally, the integration of thin McKibben muscles has resulted in the ability to fine-tune the spinal model’s stiffness, effectively mimicking the stiffening effects inherent to DCM.

Next steps of this research project.

The next steps of this project include making the cervical spine models patient-specific by utilising medical imaging data, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, subject to ethical approval. Additionally, the project will quantify the achievable range of model of the spinal models to ensure they match existing literature. Further research will also include adding the complexity of axial rotation and validating these spinal models using finite element analysis (FEA) and digital image correlation (DIC).

 Publications and presentations related to this fellowship.

• Vraitch, R., Giorgio-Serchi, F., Ma, X., Theodosiou, E., Gardner, A., and Souppez, J-B., 2024. ‘Modelling of the spinal cord within the vertebral column for the greater understanding of the aetiology and management of compressive spinal cord pathology’. Presented at ARCHA Research Showcase, Conference Aston, 10 January 2024, Aston University, UK.
• Vraitch, R., Smithies, J., Obunike, P., Geoghegan, P., Giorgio-Serchi, F., Ma, X., Theodosiou, E., Gardner, A., and Souppez, J-B., 2024. “Advancing Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Management: Development of an Actuated Cervical Spine Model.” Presented at BASS 2024, 20-22 March, Bournemouth, United Kingdom.
• Vraitch, R., 2024. ‘A Sustainable Future in Healthcare: Ethically Tailored Patient-Specific Innovations for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Treatment’, presented at EAN Congress, 9-11 June, Cardiff University, United Kingdom.

Awards or recognition received related to this project.

• 2024 EPC Hammermen David K. Harrison Student Award finalist

“A Sustainable Future in Healthcare: Ethically Tailored Patient-Specific Innovations for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Treatment”

Impact of this Orthopaedic Research UK fellowship on your research and career

The Orthopaedic Research UK fellowship has enabled me to pursue a PhD while collaborating closely with a hospital, allowing me to apply my academic research and engineering knowledge to address real-world problems and create engineered solutions within the medical field. Additionally, this fellowship has provided me with invaluable opportunities to conduct novel research and present at conferences, engaging with patients, healthcare professionals, and other researchers. It has also solidified my future career aspirations by confirming my desire to use my engineering expertise to advance the medical industry and improve patient outcomes.

Engagement with research users, special interest groups and the general public to inform them about the research.

• Vraitch, R., Giorgio-Serchi, F., Ma, X., Theodosiou, E., Gardner, A., and Souppez, J-B., 2024. ‘Modelling of the spinal cord within the vertebral column for the greater understanding of the aetiology and management of compressive spinal cord pathology’. Presented at ARCHA Research Showcase, Conference Aston, 10 January 2024, Aston University, UK.

Influence of research project on policy, practice or patients.

It is anticipated that the findings arising from this fellowship will inform the future management of DCM, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. The knowledge gained from this research hopes to influence the clinical practices and policies, promoting patient-centred care and directly contributing to healthier aging.

Researcher: 

Rajan Vraitch

Supervisor(s):

• Jean-Baptiste R. G. Souppez
• Eirini Theodosiou
• Adrian Gardner
• Francesco Giorgio-Serchi
• Xianghong Ma

University or Trust:

Aston University

Award stream:

Spine Research Fellowship (ORUK,B ASS, BSS)

Award duration:

24 months

Amount rewarded:

£60 000

Other funders:

Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Collaborations/ partners:

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital