Advanced Graphics Technology Helps Study Whiplash

Professional graphics solution and realistic mathematical representations of human anatomy are helping evaluate the biomechanical effects of the spine and shoulder when exposed to harsh movements such as whiplash.

Researchers at Dang Orthopedics Research Lab (San Francisco, CA, USA), the University of California San Francisco (UCSF; CA, USA), and the University of Connecticut Health Center (Farmington, CT, USA) used dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) to devise a computational model of cervical spine fusion by using Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) technology. Once the cervical spine model was complete, an advanced multipurpose simulation tool was used to isolate the biomechanical effects of single- and two-level cervical spine fusion. The size and number of the models that needed to be loaded simultaneously, the computational burden, and the need to view the final results on multiple, high-resolution monitors meant that Dang Orthopedics needed a high-end, professional graphics solution for its systems. The researchers decided to use the NVIDIA (Santa Clara, CA, USA) Quadro professional graphics solutions, which allowed the researchers and engineers to solve complex, data-intensive visualization problems at a faster rate. As a result, surgeons now have accessible quantitative data on the biomechanical effects at the adjacent motion segments following cervical spine fusion. The data will also guide future research in the area of multi-level artificial vertebral disc replacement, and it is hoped, reduce the incidence and severity of post-surgical complications such as accelerated arthritis.

"Our use of professional graphics technology from NVIDIA provides us with uncompromising stability and multi-monitor performance,” said Alan B.C. Dang, M.D., of Dang Orthopedics. "The ability to load multiple 3D models, terminal windows, and documents simultaneously without running out of graphics horsepower or compromising visual fidelity or system stability allows us to focus our energy on the research tasks at hand instead of troubleshooting technical issues.”

Originally developed to simulate the effect of automotive accidents on the body, THUMS, developed by Toyota (Toyota City, Japan) is one of the most sophisticated whole human finite element models in use today, with over 91,000 individual elements. Dang Orthopedics is the first orthopedic research lab in the United States to receive an academic license for THUMS and to adapt the automotive engineering tool to general orthopedic research.


Related Links:
Dang Orthopedics Research Lab
University of California San Francisco
University of Connecticut Health Center