Peer-Reviewed Article
Mechanical role of the posterior column components in the cervical spine
Hartman RA, Tisherman RE, Wang C, Bell KM, Lee JY, Sowa GA, Kang JD; Mechanical role of the posterior column components in the cervical spine; European Spine Journal, vol. 25(7), pp. 2129-2138, 2016.
Abstract
Purpose
To quantify the mechanical role of posterior column components in human cervical spine segments.
Methods
Twelve C6-7 segments were subjected to resection of (1) suprasinous/interspinous ligaments (SSL/ISL), (2) ligamenta flavum (LF), (3) facet capsules, and (4) facets. A robot-based testing system performed repeated flexibility testing of flexion-extension (FE), axial rotation (AR), and lateral bending (LB) to 2.5Nm and replayed kinematics from intact flexibility tests for each state. Range-of-motion, stiffness, moment resistance and resultant forces were calculated.
Results
The LF contributes largely to moment resistance, particularly in flexion. Facet joints were primary contributors to AR and LB mechanics. Moment/force responses were more sensitive and precise than kinematic outcomes.
Conclusions
The LF is mechanically important in the cervical spine; its injury could negatively impact load distribution. Damage to facets in a flexion injury could lead to AR or LB hypermobility. Quantifying the contribution of spinal structures to moment resistance is a sensitive, precise process for characterizing structural mechanics.
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