Development of novel tests to quantify objective spine function

背景：如果不能进行心电图等功能检查，对心脏病患者的影响将是灾难性的。不幸的是，这种情况存在于脊柱中——很少有客观的试验可以量化脊柱的机械功能。因此，我的研究计划将解决重大的工程挑战，以创建一套新的客观脊柱功能测量方法。***我的研究计划：目标1：我之前的DG工作表明脊柱振动会产生一个“指纹”，显示组织状态。不幸的是，这种侵入性入路限制了临床应用。该目标将验证超快速超声作为一种非侵入性方法来量化振动期间的三维椎体位移。一系列振动（啁啾）将应用于麻醉猪的非侵入性。椎体位移响应将通过超快速超声（测试信号）和手术植入的三轴加速度计（判据信号）同时测量。然后测试信号将根据标准信号进行验证。目的2：在之前的DG工作中，我们已经表明压痕硬度是脊柱功能的临床重要指标。通过了解个体脊柱组织如何导致压痕僵硬，临床医生可以专门针对背痛的潜在原因。该目标将确定脊柱组织如何通过滚动压痕获得体积力位移（FD）数据，通过采用该技术同时进行MRI和透视成像。结果FD数据将被输入到计算机模型中，以确定特定组织如何/何时对FD曲线做出贡献。目的3：我们最近使用cineMRI可视化与关节声音相关的关节内事件，但需要更复杂的成像来确定它们与关节健康状况的关系。该目标将确定关节声音的关节内参数（生物标志物），以确定功能性关节与功能障碍关节。为了做到这一点，我们将结合新的MRI技术，以显示更大体积的关节声音，以及能够成像率超过1000赫兹的超快速超声。***长期目标：我的研究项目的长期目标是开发新的方法来测量客观脊柱功能，以减少加拿大人的发病率，残疾和成本负担。这里产生的知识将为解决这些措施的临床意义及其潜在机制提供工程基础。***环境、培训和知识转移：该研究项目建立在已建立的多学科合作的基础上，具有出版、培训和资助的富有成效的历史。这些因素继续产生受欢迎的hqp，如导师认可、学生奖项和在科学、工程和医疗保健领域成功的职业安排。

BACKGROUND: If functional tests like electrocardiography were unavailable, the impact on heart patients would be disastrous. Unfortunately, this situation exists in the spine - few objective tests are available to quantify mechanical spine function. As such, my research program will address, then solve, significant engineering challenges to create a suite of novel measures of objective spine function.***MY RESEARCH PROGRAM: Objective 1: My prior DG work has shown spine vibration creates a “fingerprint” that reveals tissue status. Unfortunately, this invasive approach limits clinical application. This objective will validate ultra-fast ultrasound as a non-invasive way to quantify 3D vertebral displacements during vibration. A range of vibrations (chirp) will be applied non-invasively in anesthetized pigs. The vertebral displacement response will be measured simultaneously by ultra-fast ultrasound (test signal) and a triaxial accelerometer implanted surgically (criterion signal). The test signal will then be validated against the criterion signal. Objective 2: In prior DG work, we have shown that indentation stiffness is a clinically significant measure of spine function. By understanding how individual spinal tissues contribute indentation stiffness, clinicians can specifically target underlying causes of back pain. This objective will identify how spinal tissues contribute to bulk force-displacement (FD) data obtained via rolling indentation by adapting this technique for concurrent MRI and fluoroscopic imaging. The resulting FD data will be input into a computer model to identify how/when specific tissues contribute to a FD curve. Objective 3: We have recently used cineMRI to visualize intra-articular events associated with joint sounds, yet more sophisticated imaging is needed to ascertain their relation to joint health status. This objective will identify intra-articular parameters (biomarkers) of joint sounds that define functional versus dysfunctional joints. To do this, we will combine new MRI techniques to visualize joint sounds in larger volumes with ultra-fast ultrasound capable of imaging rates of over 1,000 Hz. ***LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES: The long-term objective of my research program is to develop novel ways to measure objective spine function toward reducing morbidity, disability and cost burdens for Canadians. Knowledge generated here will provide an engineering foundation from which to address the clinical significance of these measures and their underlying mechanisms.***ENVIRONMENT, TRAINING AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER: This research program is founded on established multidisciplinary collaborations having a productive history of publication, training, and funding. These elements continue to produce sought-after HQPs as evidenced by mentoring recognition, student awards won and successful career placements in science, engineering and health care.