In a recent article published in the journal Sensors, a team of researchers at Florida Atlantic University detailed ways to build human spine replica robots based on soft magnetic sensor arrays to predict intervertebral load and posture after surgery. It is reported that with age, the intervertebral discs on the human spine will tend to deteriorate, and even surgery will be required to implant substitutes.
Study With Panel - 1: A CT scan-based robotic spine model
The good news is that thanks to the advent of soft magnetic sensing array robots that can simulate models of specific patient spines, the new approach will help medical teams better estimate the success rate of such surgeries.
Research Footage of the Robotic 3D Spine Twin（via）
Professor Erik Engeberg of Florida Atlantic University (FAU), along with Dr. Frank Vrionis from the Marcus Institute for Neuroscience, led the new study.
Study With Panel - 2: Soft magnetic robots can grade the position and amplitude of external loads
The scientists first performed CT scans of the patient's spine, then 3D modeled it with the help of a computer, and finally 3D printed a joint model of the spine.
The polymer model contains a cervical disc implant between the two vertebrae, which contains a series of soft magnetic sensors made from an inexpensive mixture of silicone and magnetic powder.
Study the grading accuracy of the accompanying figure - 3:10% ferrofluid sensor array
The team then used robotic arms to bend and stretch the spinal replica to simulate five different real spine postures — center, mid-flexion, flexion, and moderate and full extension.
During this time, the sensor records the pressure distribution of the implant across the spine, and the measured accuracy is almost 100%.
Study the plot - 4:15% Hall effect/grading accuracy of a ferrofuidic sensor array
Going forward, the research team hopes that this technique can be used in planning discussions and simulation practices before actual surgery to find the surgical replacement implant that best suits patients.
In addition, simulations based on the modified model can also give patients a better idea of what they can do during the surgical response.
Study Illustration - 5: Intervertebral Monitoring / Postural Measurement of Human Spine Replica Robots
Finally, details of the study have been published in the recently published journal Sensors.
原标题为《Robotic Replica of a Human Spine Uses Soft Magnetic Sensor Array to Forecast Intervertebral Loads and Posture after Surgery》。