An in-vitro study of the kinematics of the normal, injured and stabilized cervical spine

J Biomech. 1984;17(5):363-76. doi: 10.1016/0021-9290(84)90030-7.

Abstract

The relative motion between various vertebrae of multi-level cervical ligamentous spinal segments (C2-T2), using Bryant angles, is described. A three-dimensional sonic digitizer was utilized to study the motion in flexion, extension, right lateral bending and right axial rotation. Effects of a number of injuries and stabilization (interspinous wiring and acrylic cement, PMMA) on the motion behavior of C5-C6 (injured) and C4-C5 (superior to injured) levels were investigated. The data were normalized with respect to intact specimens. The injury to capsular ligaments at C5-C6 produced a significant increase in the relative motion at C4-C5. Although the interspinous wiring reduced the motion at C5-C6 the C4-C5 motion was still higher. The application of PMMA made the motion at C4-C5 comparable to the intact specimen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiology*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement*
  • Rotation
  • Spinal Injuries / physiopathology*