The spine is perhaps the most complex physiological mechanical system in our bodies. Research progress in simulation capabilities now enables biomedical engineers to more accurately explore how the spine functions and, consequently, how it fails.
Conventional interpretations of spine biomechanics neglect the contribution of passive structures that work parallel to our muscular control. There is much to be leaned and gained by better understanding the importance of passive mechanics.
Our group leverages fundamental, applied and translational research to further improve the understanding of spine biomechanics, now with a focus on evaluating novel biomechanical theories describing spine stability and treatments thereof. We have the benefit of having two labs. Our 1st lab is a simulation and prototype production lab in the engineering building. Our 2nd lab, the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, is located at the MUHC Research Institute in the Montreal General Hospital. This is our testing facilities lab and it has access to human tissue and mechanical testing device.