The anatomy of the human cervical column permits extensive motion in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending because of its material properties and geometry. A comprehensive method of obtaining detailed kinematic and strength data for the human head-neck complex is presented. Six fresh human cadavers were used in this study. Head-to-T2 specimens were rigidly mounted at the proximal and distal ends. Retro-reflective targets at each vertebral level recorded the local kinematics, and two 6-axis load cells at the proximal and distal ends recorded strength data. Plane radiographs, 2-D CT, and 3-D CT reconstructions were completed for each specimen. Preparations were axially loaded until failure and were frozen in the compressed state; cryomicrotome sections were obtained for each specimen. Correlation of the kinematics with the strength data and pathology information quantifies the injury mechanisms that occur under axial compressive loading. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 837684.
Samenvatting