Transversal approach of the biomechanics of scoliosis and its management with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation

The aim of this paper is to present a transversal approach for the analysis and evaluation of the scoliosis management. This approach combines for the same patient various complementary protocols, before, during and after tre atment in order to characterize the geometry of the spine as well as the gl obal posture and motion of the trunk, to assess vertebral motion during sur gery, to construct and try to validate a finite element simulation of the s urgical correction of this patient, and to evaluate with time the effects o f this surgery. To date, 7 patients were considered. Examples of significan t results are presented for one of them.