91社区

Home

Mark Driscoll

Title: 
Associate Professor
Academic title(s): 

NSERC Chair in Design Engineering for Interdisciplinary Innovation of Medical Technologies

Chwang-Seto Faculty Scholar

Mark Driscoll
Contact Information
Address: 

Macdonald Engineering Building, Room 153

Email address: 
mark.driscoll [at] mcgill.ca
Biography: 

Expert in Spine Biomechanics and professional engineer with in-depth experience in the implementation of new product ideas from concept phase to commercially viable completion. A proven research and development record respectfully acknowledged in peer-reviewed scientific publications and adjudged presentations in the field of musculoskeletal biomechanics with focus on the spine.

Link(s): 
Personal Webpage
Degree(s): 

Industrial Post-Doctoral

Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, 脡cole Polytechnique of Montreal

B. Eng. Mechanical Engineering, 91社区

Courses: 

MECH听463 -听Final Year Capstone Design Project听

MECH393 -听Machine Element Design

MECH 561 -听Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Systems

MECH 290 - Graphic Design

MECH 292 - Conceptual Design

听

听

Research areas: 
Bioengineering
Selected publications: 
  1. Driscoll, M., Aubin, C-E., Moreau, A. and Parent, S., (2008) Stress shielding within the scoliotic spine: a progressive risk factor? Stud Health Technol Inform. 157: 356.
  2. Driscoll, M., Aubin, C-E., Parent, S., Moreau, A. and Villemure, I., (2009) The role of concave-convex biases in the progression of idiopathic scoliosis. Eur Spine J, 18: p. 180-187.
  3. Beaudette, K., Boudoux, C., Driscoll, M., Strupler, M., Maciejko, R. and Aubin, C-E., (2010) Towards a Handheld Probe based on Coherence Tomography for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries. Stud Health Technol Inform, 158: 49-54.
  4. Driscoll, M., Aubin, C-E., Parent, S. and Moreau, A., (2010) Finite Element Comparison of Different Growth Sparring Instrumentation Systems for the Early Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis. Stud Health Technol Inform, 158: 89-94.
  5. Shi, L., Wang, D., Driscoll, M., Chu, W., Cheng, JCY., Villemure, I. and Aubin, C-E., (2010) Scoliotic vs. Normal Vertebral Growth Profiles on the Progression of Idiopathic Scoliosis: a Biomechanical Study. Stud Health Technol Inform, 158: 284.
  6. Driscoll, M. and Blyum, L., (2010) The presence of physiological stress shielding in the degenerative cycle of musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(3): 335-342.
  7. Blyum, L., and Driscoll, M. (2011) Mechanical Stress transfer 鈥� the fundamental physical basis of all manual therapy techniques. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(4): 520.
  8. Driscoll, M., Aubin, C-E., Moreau, A. and Parent, S., (2011) Biomechanical comparison of fusionless growth modulation corrective techniques in pediatric scoliosis. Med Bio Eng Comp, 49(12): 1437-1445.
  9. Shi, L., Wang, D., Driscoll, M., Chu, W., Cheng, JCY., Villemure, I. and Aubin, C-E., (2011) Biomechanical analysis and modeling of different vertebral growth patterns in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and healthy subjects. Scoliosis Journal, 6(11)
  10. Driscoll, M., Aubin, C-E., Moreau, A., Wakula Y., Sawark, J., and Parent, S., (2012) Spinal growth modulation using a novel intravertebral epiphyseal device in an immature porcine model. European Spine Journal, 21(1): 138-144.
  11. Hachem, B., Aubin, CE., Driscoll, M., and Parent, S., (2012) Porcine spine finite element model as an alternative tool for the validation of a novel fusionless device. Stud Health Technol Inform (176) 459.
  12. Driscoll, M., Mac-Thiong, J-M., Labelle, H., Slivka, M., Stad, S., and Parent, S. (2013) Biomechanical assessment of reduction forces measured during scoliotic instrumentation using two different screw designs. Spine Deformity Journal, 1: 94-101.
  13. Driscoll, M., Mac-Thiong, J-M., Labelle, and Parent, S. (2013) Development of a detailed volumetric finite element model of the spine to simulate surgical correction of spinal deformities. Biomed Research International, Article, p6
  14. Driscoll, M., Fortier-Tougas, C., Labelle, H., Parent, S., and Mac-Thiong, JM., (2014) Evaluation of an apparatus to be combined with a smartphone for the early detection of spinal deformities, Scoliosis, 9:10. (doi:10.1186/1748-7161-9-10)
  15. Driscoll, M., and Blyum, L., (2014) Results of a 3-year prospective cohort study investigating the influence of home-based therapy on patients with cerebral palsy in GMFCS levels IV and V, Dev Med Child Nerol: 56 (s5), p67
  16. Driscoll, M., Mac-Thiong, JM., Labelle, H., Stad, S., Serhan, H., and Parent, S., (2015) Biomechanical comparison of two different pedicle screw systems during the surgical correction of adult spinal deformities, Spine Deformity Journal, 3(2): 114-121.
  17. Drewes, E., Driscoll, M., Blyum, L., and Vincents, D., (2016) The effects of a home-based connective tissue targeting therapy on hip development in children with cerebral palsy: 6 case report, Explore Journal; (4) 268-276.
  18. Driscoll, M., Aubin, C-E., Moreau, A., Wakula Y., Amini, S., and Parent, S., (2016) Novel hemi-staple for the fusionless correction of pediatric scoliosis: influence on intervertebral discs and growth plates in a porcine model. Clin Spine Surg; (9) 457-464.
  19. Driscoll, M. (2018) Fascia- The Unsung Biomechanical Hero of our Musculoskeletal System JBMT, 22(1) 90-91 (Invited Paper)
  20. Fleckenstein, J., Schleip, R., Sachs, C., Driscoll, M., et al. (2018) Fascia Research 鈥� where is it going? (Faszienforschung: Quo vadis), Mannuelle Medizin. 56 452-467.
  21. Klinger, W., Driscoll, M., (2018) Revolution in Fascia Research, JBMT, 22;(4), 844 (invited editorial).
  22. AvilaGonzalez, A., Wearing, S., Driscoll, M., Schleip, R., and Klinger, W. (2018) Frontiers in Fascia Research, JBMT, (22):4, 873-880.
  23. Driscoll, M., (2019) Faszien, die unbesungenen Helden der Wirbelsaulen-Biomechanik, Journal of Morbus Bechterew, (156); 7 (translated editorial)
  24. Driscoll, M. (2019) The impact of the finite element method on medical device design, Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering (JMBE), 39(2) 171-172 (Invited Paper)
  25. Clin, J.*, Le Naveaux, F., Driscoll, M., et al. (2019) Biomechanical Comparison of the Load-Sharing Capacity of High and Low Implant Density Constructs with 3 Types of Pedicle Screws for the Instrumentation of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Spine Deformity Journal, 7(1): 2-10
  26. Driscoll, M., Blyum, L., (2019) Investigation of the influence of a home-based therapy on the intra-abdominal pressure and spinal stability of cerebral palsy patients, Clinical Biomechanics, 69: 164-167.
  27. Brahmi, B.,* Driscoll, M., et al. (2020) Adaptive high order sliding mode control based on quasi-time delay estimation for uncertain robot manipulator. Journal of Control Theory and Technology, (18);279-292
  28. El-Monajjed, K*., Driscoll, M., (2020) A Finite Element Analysis of the Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Paraspinal Muscle Compartment Pressure Interaction through the Thoracolumbar Fascia, Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 23(10), 585-596
  29. Brahmi, B*., Driscoll, M., El Bojairami, I.,* et al. (2020) Novel Adaptive Impedance Control for Exoskeleton Robot for Rehabilitation Using a Nonlinear Time-Delay Disturbances Observer, ISA Transaction, 108: 381-392
  30. El-Monajjed, K*., Driscoll, M., (2020) 鈥�Analysis of Surgical Forces Required to Gain Access using a Probe for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery via Cadaveric-based Experiments towards use in Training Simulators鈥� IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 68(1): 330-339
  31. Jacobson, N.,* Driscoll, M. (2020) 鈥�Design synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a novel tool to non-invasively characterize pressurized, physiological vessels鈥�, ASME Journal of Medical Devices, 15(2): 1-8
  32. Brahmi, B.,* El-Monajjed, K.,* and Driscoll, M. (2020) Novel Adaptive Backstepping Control of Uncertain Electrically Driven Haptic Robot For Surgical Training Systems, International Journal of Control, 1-24
  33. El-Bojairami, B.,* El-Monajjed, K.,* Driscoll, M., (2020) Development and Validation of a novel Finite Element Human Spine Model for accurate Biomechanical Simulations, Scientific Reports, Nature 10 (1), 1-15.
  34. Brahmi B.,* El Bojairami, I.,* Driscoll, M., Saad, M., Zemmam, S.,* Laraki, L.,* (2020) "Enhancement of Sliding Mode Control Performance For Perturbed and Unperturbed Nonlinear System: Theory and Experimentation on Rehabilitation Robot" Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology, 16(1): 599-616
  35. Newell, E.,* Driscoll, M., (2021) The examination of stress shielding in a finite element lumbar spine inclusive of the thoracolumbar fascia, Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing, 59(7-8): 1621-1628
  36. Newell, E.,* Driscoll, M., (2021) Investigation of physiological stress shielding within the lumbar spinal tissue as a contributor to unilateral low back pain: a finite element study. Computers in Biology and Medicine, Epud doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104351
  37. El-Bojairami, I*., Driscoll, M., (2021) Coordination between Trunk Muscles, Thoracolumbar Fascia, and Intra-abdominal Pressure towards Static Spine Stability, Spine, 1;47(9): E423-E431, doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004223.
  38. Patel, S*., Alkadri, S*., Driscoll, M., (2021) Development and Validation of a Mixed Reality Configuration of a Simulator for a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Using the Workspace of a Haptic Device and Simulator Users, Biomed Research International, vol 2021, 12p: 2435126, doi: 10.1155/2021/2435126
  39. El-Bojairami, I*., Driscoll, M., (2022) Correlating Skeletal Muscle Output Force and Intramuscular Pressure via a 3-Dimensional Finite Element Muscle Model, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 44(4): 041006 doi: 10.1115/1.4052885.
  40. Cotter, T.,* Mongrain, R., Driscoll, M. (2022) Design Synthesis of a Robotic Uniaxial Torque Device for Orthopedic Haptic Simulation, Journal of Medical Device 16(3): 031008, doi.org/10.1115/1.4054344
  41. El-Monajjed, K.,* Driscoll, M., (2022) Haptic integration and validation of data- driven forces required to gain access using a probe for minimally invasive spine surgery via cadaveric-based experiments towards use in surgical simulators, Journal of Computational Science, 60: doi.org/10.1016/j.jocs.2022.101569.
  42. El-Bojairami, I*., Hamedzadeh, A.,* Driscoll, M., (2022) Feasibility of extracting tissue material properties via cohesive elements: a finite element approach to probe insertion procedures in non-invasive spine surgeries, Journal of Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing MBEC, 59(10): 2051-2061
  43. El-Monajjed, K.,* Driscoll, M., (2021) Investigation of Reaction Forves in the Thoracolumbar Fascia during Different Activities: A Mechanistic Numerical Study. Life, 11(8) 779: 1-9 doi.org/10.3390/life11080779 (featured on cover page)
  44. Alkadri, S.,* Ledwos, N.,* Mirchi, N.,* Reich, A.,* Yilmaz, R.,* Driscoll, M., Del Maestro, R., (2021) Utilizing a Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network to Assess a Virtual Reality Surgical Procedure, Computers in Biology and Medicine, doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104770.
  45. El Bojairami, I.,* Driscoll, M., (2022) Formulation and exploration of novel, intramuscular pressure based, muscle activation strategies in a spine model, Computers in Biology and Medicine, 146: (10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105646)
  46. Jacobson, N.,* Driscoll, M., (2022) Validity and reliability of a novel, non-invasive tool and method to measure intra-abdominal pressure 饾憱饾忆 饾懀饾憱饾懀饾憸, Journal of Biomechanics, 137: (10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111096)
  47. Stott, B.,* Driscoll, M., (2022) Face and content validity of analog surgical instruments on a novel physics driven minimally invasive spinal fusion surgical simulator, Journal of Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing MBEC, p 1-8, ()
  48. Brahmi, B.,* Bojairami I*, Gholam J, Rahman H, Kovecses, J., Driscoll, M., (2022) Skill learning approach based on impedance control for spine surgical training simulators with haptic playback. Journal of Systems and Control Engineering, p 1-5 (10.1177/09596518221133425)
  49. El-Bojairami, I.,* Jacobson, N.,* Driscoll, M., (2022) Development and evaluation of a numerical spine model comprising intra-abdominal pressure for use in assessing physiological changes on abdominal compliance, Clinical Biomechanics, 97: (10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105689)
  50. Cotter, T.,* Mongrain. R., Driscoll, M., (2022) Vacuum Curette Lumbar Discectomy Mechanics for Use in Spine Surgical Training Simulators, Nature Scientific Reports, 12(1): 1-10
  51. Zhang, D.,* Aoude, A., Driscoll, M., (2022) Development and Model Form Assessment of an Automatic Subject-specific Vertebra Reconstruction Method, Computers in Biology and Medicine, 150, 106158 (10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106158)
  52. Stott, B.,* Afshari, P., Bischoff, J, Clin, J., Francois-Saint-Cyr, A., Goodin, M., Herrmann, S., Liu, X., Driscoll, M., (2022) A critical comparison of comparators used to demonstrate credibility of physics-based numerical spine models, Annals in Biomedical Engineering, 51: p 150-162 (10.1007/s10439-022-03069-x)
  53. Dukkipati, S.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Development and biomechanical evaluation of a 3D printed analogue lumbar spine motion segment, European Spine Journal (under review)
  54. Larivi猫re, C., Preuss R., Gagnon, D.H., Mecheri, H., Driscoll, M., Henry, SM. (2023) The relationship between clinical examination measures and ultrasound measures of fascia thickness surrounding trunk muscles or lumbar multifidus fatty infiltrations: An exploratory study. Journal of Anatomy, (10.1111/joa.13807)
  55. Patel, S.,* Ouellet, J., Driscoll, M. (2023) Examining Impact Forces during posterior spinal fusion to implement in a novel physics driven virtual reality surgical simulator, Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing, 10.1007/s11517-023-02819-w
  56. Sottt, B.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Biomechanical evaluation of the thoracolumbar spine comparing healthy and irregular thoracic and lumbar curvatures, Computers in Biology and Medicine, 0.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106982
  57. Cotter, T.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Comparing Controlled and Freehand Test Techniques of Lumbar Discectomy Force Measurement for Spinal Surgery Simulation, Spine (under review)
  58. Patel, S.,*, Ouellet, J., Driscoll, M. (2023) Comparison of Analog and Surgical Impact Tools for Graft and Cage Insertion in a Novel Physics Based Surgical Simulator for Spinal Fusion, Computers in Biology and Medicine (under Review after minor revision)
  59. Jacobson, N.,* Schleip, R., Driscoll, M., (2022)Validity and reliability of a non-invasive tool and method to measure soft tissue elasticity in vivo. Scientific Reports, Nature (under review)
  60. Bernier, E.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Numerical Investigation of Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Spinal Load-Sharing upon the Application of an Abdominal Belt, Journal of Biomechanics (in review)
  61. El Bojairami, I.,* Santaguida, C., Rawahi, S., Aoude, A, Driscoll, M., (2023) A parametric analysis of interbody fusion cages placement: A finite elements approach comparing lumbar lordosis of bullet and steerable banana cages, Medical & biological Engineering & Computing (in review)
  62. Newell, E.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) The in vivo investigation of mechanical property augmentation within the musculoskeletal soft tissues as a potential indicator for the presence of physiological stress shielding within low back pain patients, Computers in Biology and Medicine (in review)
  63. Newell, E.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Mechanical evaluation of human cadaveric lumbar soft tissues suggests possible physiological stress shielding within musculoskeletal soft tissues by the thoracolumbar fascia, European Spine Journal (in review)
  64. Alkadri, S.,* Wang, T.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Assessment of the Fidelity of a Mixed Reality Surgical Spine Simulator using direct comparison of Cadaver and Simulator trials, Medical & biological Engineering & Computing (in review)
  65. Torres, A.,* Driscoll, M., (2023) Evaluation of a Non-invasive Device for Measurement of the Elastic Modulus and Pressure of Soft Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms at Various Strain Rates, Medical & biological Engineering & Computing (in review)
Current research: 

1. Exploration of the impact of connective tissue (fascia) towards a better understanding of spine biomechanics

2. The development and validation of a novel augmented reality spine surgical simulator

Areas of interest: 

Primary Research Theme: Design and Manufacturing
Secondary Research Theme: Biomechanics

Global interests reside in improving the biomechanical understanding of mechanisms that govern our musculoskeletal system. The use of complementary research platforms (in vivo, ex vivo, and in silico) foster novel findings towards the understanding of healthy system and the onset and/or pathomechanism of musculoskeletal disorders. Such translational research is interdisciplinary and requires a multifaceted approach to promote the engineering conception and design of new mechanical solutions.

More specifically, the laboratory seeks to better understand the control system governing spinal stability. Of further interest is how this control system responds when mechanical biases are introduced resulting in physiological stress shielding. Additionally, performs research and development of novel physics driven virtual reality surgical simulators for improved surgeon training in orthopeadics.听听Moreover, the mechanical performance of current and future medical devices are also studied.

Areas of expertise: 

Spine Biomechanics

Awards, honours, and fellowships: 

1. Canada NSERC Chair Design Engineering for Interdisciplinary Innovation of Medical Technologies

2. Featured as one of nine Engineers in Quebec, with distinct performance in the last 20 years between age of 22 and 60 (Order of Engineers 100 year anniversary ). Jan. 2020

3.听Professor of the Year in Mechanical Engineering at 91社区, voted by the students for 2018-2019

4. Award for recognition for outstanding contribution (35 and under) in 2018 by the Order of Engineers of Quebec (OIQ)

5. ANSYS Hall of Fame winner 2015 for best use of engineering simulation platform

6.听Best New Technology for Spine Care in 2014 (Inventor and head engineer)

Interviews: 

1. Source: Med e-News

2. Source: PLAN magazine

  • Headline: Num茅ro sp茅cial 100 ans de l鈥橭rdre de la revue PLAN 鈥� Prof. Driscoll鈥檚 work highlighted /research/article/future-ready-spinal-tapas an Engineer to lead Quebec through the next 100 years (p 36-37)
  • Date: Jan 2020
  • Details:

3.Source: Global News, interview

  • Headline: Fascinated with fascia treatments? It鈥檚 time to face the facts
  • Date: August 2019
  • Details:
  • 听

4. Source: Order of Engineers Quebec

  • Headline: The Ordre des Ing茅nieurs du Qu茅bec paid tribute to the excellence and know-how of its members at the 14th Soir茅e de l鈥橢xcellence en genie on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Gr茅vin Museum.
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details:

5. Source: City of Montreal

  • Headline: 91社区 to partner with industry in developing virtual reality training platform for spinal surgery
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details:

6. Source: Becker Spine Review Magazine

  • Headline: Virtual reality: 91社区, CAE Healthcare & DePuy Synthes partner for new spine surgery training
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details: university-cae-healthcare-depuy-synthes-partner-for-new-spine-surgery-training.html

5. Source: Medical Simulation Training

  • Headline: 91社区 Partners with CAE Healthcare to develop VR spinal surgery training platform
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details:

6. Source: Mobile Syrup (online tech magazine)

  • Headline: 91社区 Partners with industries to develop VR training tech for spinal surgery training
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details: 听

7. Source: BioWorld MedTech

  • Headline: Medical device triumvirate developing VR spinal surgery training simulator
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details:

8. Source: 91社区 Reporter

  • Headline: Combining engineering and medicine to combat spinal disorders
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details:

9. Source: SALTISE

  • Headline: Implementation and Evaluation Of A New Evaluation Tool For The Improvement Of Specific Student Skill Sets Towards Solving Open-Ended Engineering Design Problems
  • Date: Dec 2018
  • Details:

10.Source: LA PRESSE

  • Headline: Ing茅nieurs honor茅s
  • Date: June 2018
  • Details:

11.Source: Business Wire

  • Headline: EOS imaging announces exclusive licensing and partnership in surgical simulation
  • Date: January 2016
  • Details:

12.Source: Ansys (world leading simulation platform)

  • Headline: Ansys Hall of Fame Competition Winer
  • Date: June 2015
  • Details:

13.Source: RRY Publications, LLC

  • Headline: The Eleven Best New Spine Technologies for 2014
  • Date: November 2014
  • Details:
Back to top