Abstract

Low back pain is estimated to affect 80% of the population at some point in their lives. It places a high economic burden on society, as individuals suffering from low back pain are often less productive and miss more work days, resulting in lost wages (Freburger et al., 2015; Katz, 2006; Taher et al., 2012). Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is among the most common causes of low back pain. It is a pathological process where the intervertebral disc (IVD) undergoes structural changes and is characterized by increased inflammation within the disc, in combination with nerve ingrowth causing pain. Structural changes of the IVD alone is referend to as IVD degeneration and is not painful in many people (Cazzanelli & Wuertz-Kozak, 2020; Verrills et al., 2015). Current treatments of DDD only aim to address the symptoms, not the root causes (Fernandez-Moure et al., 2018). Professor Karin Wuertz-Kozak of the Tissue Regeneration and Mechanobiology Lab at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) aims to develop a treatment for the underlying causes of DDD. This endeavor aims to produce a 3D animation and six 2D illustrations that showcase the methods and objectives of a new treatment. The 3D animation will serve as a general overview of the new treatment on the lab's website, demonstrating the DDD process, the treatment steps, and the intended outcomes to the public. The animation employs 3D modeling, particle systems, and complex camera movements, accompanied by After Effects post-production effects, to create an engaging and effective presentation. The 2D illustrations, crafted in a minimalistic and neat vector style using Adobe Illustrator, are utilized in grant proposals and research presentations targeting a scientific audience. The artwork generated for this project successfully achieved its intended objectives, though additional enhancements may increase its efficacy. Further exploration of 3D and animation techniques to achieve the most natural effects is planned beyond the completion of this project. This project has enhanced my 3D modeling, animation, and communication skills.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Intervertebral disk--Diseases--Treatment--Interactive multimedia--Design; Computer animation; Three-dimensional display systems

Publication Date

5-22-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Medical Illustration(MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Medical Illustration (CHST)

Advisor

James Perkins

Advisor/Committee Member

Craig Foster

Advisor/Committee Member

Karin Wuertz-Kozak

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ILLM-MFA

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