Date of Award
Fall 1992
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Abstract
Clinically, injury to the mid and lower cervical spine occurs frequently as the result of flexion and compression-flexion movement. The mechanisms that cause these injuries and duplication of them, has been the focus of many laboratory experiments. Results of these experiments indicate that the alignment of the cervical spine in connection with impact does affect the injuries sustained by the spine and its components. The stiffest axis is hypothesized to be the place where the axial compressive forces are transmitted through the occipital condyles to the vertically aligned cervical spine (lordosis removed). This study was designed to develop a method for finding this stiffest axis. The position (flexion and extension) of the neck, the simulation of muscle tone via a pulley system, and the anterior-posterior (AP) position of the skull were all examined. In connection with these, piston deformation and stiffness values were studied. Results indicate that the stiffest axis occurs between 15 and 30 degrees flexion of the head with respect to the Frankfort plane. In addition, the spine vertically aligns when the AP position of the occipital condyles is slightly anterior to the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) of the mounted vertebra (C7 or T1).
Recommended Citation
Gordon, Susan M., "Experimental Analysis of the Stiffest Axis in the Human Cervical Spine" (1992). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4664.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4664