Speaker: Dr. Dominika Ignasiak, Group Leader for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics at the Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich

Abstract

Mechanical complications, such as Proximal Junctional Kyphosis (PJK) and Proximal Junctional Failure (PJF), are a serious yet common challenge in fusion surgery for adult spinal deformity. Understanding the biomechanical mechanisms driving these complications is critical for improving surgical outcomes. This talk will explore the use of personalized musculoskeletal modeling to investigate patient-specific factors, such as spinal alignment, body shape, and abdominal wall adaptation, that influence spine biomechanics and may contribute to PJK/PJF development. The insights gained from this approach offer new perspectives on biomechanical risk factors and may inform future surgical planning and peri-operative care.

Biosketch

Dr. Dominika Ignasiak is the Group Leader for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics at the Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich. Her research focuses on the biomechanics of the ageing spine and spine pathologies, integrating computational methods, clinical data, and functional assessments. Having developed one of the pioneering musculoskeletal models of the thoracic spine, she combines her academic expertise with industry experience in innovation to address clinical challenges in spine care for improved patient outcomes.

Organisator: Biomechanical Engineering – Prof. Dr. Barbara Röhrnbauer

Room: TN E0.58

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