Faculty Collaboration Database

Human head-neck biomechanics under axial tension. Med Eng Phys 1996 Jun;18(4):289-94

Date

06/01/1996

Pubmed ID

8782187

DOI

10.1016/1350-4533(95)00054-2

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0030175844 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   97 Citations

Abstract

A significant majority of cervical spine biomechanics studies has applied the external loading in the form of compressive force vectors. In contrast, there is a paucity of data on the tensile loading of the neck structure. These data are important as the human neck not only resists compression but also has to withstand distraction due to factors such as the anatomical characteristics and loading asymmetry. Furthermore, evidence exists implicating tensile stresses to be a mechanism of cervical spinal cord injury. Recent advancements in vehicular restraint systems such as air bags may induce tension to the neck in adverse circumstances. Consequently, this study was designed to develop experimental methodologies to determine the biomechanics of the human cervical spinal structures under distractive forces. A part-to-whole approach was used in the study. Four experimental models from 15 unembalmed human cadavers were used to demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology. Structures included isolated cervical spinal cords, intervertebral disc units, skull to T3 preparations, and intact unembalmed human cadavers. Axial tensile forces were applied, and the failure load and distraction were recorded. Stiffness and energy absorbing characteristics were computed. Maximum forces for the spinal cord specimens were the lowest (278 N +/- 90). The forces increased for the intervertebral disc (569 N +/- 54). skull to T3 (1555 N +/- 459), and intact human cadaver (3373 N +/- 464) preparations, indicating the load-carrying capacities when additional components are included to the experimental model. The experimental methodologies outlined in the present study provide a basis for further investigation into the mechanism of injury and the clinical applicability of biomechanical parameters.

Author List

Yoganandan N, Pintar FA, Maiman DJ, Cusick JF, Sances A Jr, Walsh PR

Authors

Dennis J. Maiman PhD, MD Emeritus Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Frank A. Pintar PhD Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Narayan Yoganandan PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cadaver
Head
Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Middle Aged
Models, Anatomic
Neck
Skull
Spinal Cord
Spinal Injuries
Stress, Mechanical