Claudio Vergari

This website introduces my academic and some personal interests. I am a researcher in biomechanics, currently working in Paris, France, at the Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak. I specialize in spinal mechanics, with a focus on scoliosis and intervertebral disc.

I obtained a PhD in Biomechanics in 2011 (you can download my thesis for more info), working on equine tendons mechnaical characterization with the aim of better understanding ultrasound propagation in this tissue.

I started growing an interest in biomechanics during the University years, when I started working on some academic projects about the modeling of different physiological and biomechanical problems, such as the thermoablation of liver tumors, the physics and data-processing involved in blood pressure sensing, the kinetics and dynamics of weight-lifting.

During my PhD and the following post doctoral research years I developed an interest in ultrasound applications in soft tissue. While echogrphy is the first association everybody does between the two, there are LOTS of other quantitative ultrasound-based techniques. In particular, I worked on axial transmission in tendon (bursts of ultrasound waves propating along the tendon) and on shear wave elastography, which I am developing in order to determine intervertebral disc mechanical properties.

Since 2012 I have been working on spine biomechanics, and of scoliotic spine in particular. Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the trunk, including the spine and rib cage. If a progressive scolisois is left untreated, it can lead to respiratory and locomotion problems, and of course a severe deterioration of quality of life. I work on the early detection of progressive scoliosis, and on the improvement of treatment efficacy.