
MBBS, B.Sc (Biology)

Dr Minghao Li commenced his research Masters project in 2020 as part of a 2 year Clinical/Masters position with the Biomechanics & Spine Research Group, in association with the Queensland University of Technology and The Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH). This position is proudly supported by Queensland X-Ray and the QCH.
Ming’s project analysed the morphology of the vertebral body endplate in the growing adolescent using a cohort of adolescents with and without idiopathic scoliosis. Each participant group has had 3 to 5 sequential MRI scans (approx 6-12 months apart) between the ages of 10 to 16 years to capture the growth of their spines during their adolescence. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity affecting 0.47-5.2% of the population and is up to seven times more common in females than males. It is assumed AIS development is of multi-factorial origin, however despite being identified decades ago, the appearance and progression of this complex deformity is still not well understood. The final results of his project have assisted in further improving our understanding of spinal deformity progression in AIS patients, and in-turn have provided new information to optimise the treatment options for adolescent scoliosis patients as well as being able to advise the most beneficial timing of these treatments.