Methods for studying effects on the spine under different loads

Osvalder, A.-L.; Neuman, P.; Aldman, B.; Lövsund, P.; Nordwall, A.

Affiliations

¹Department of Traffic Safety, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96 GÖTEBORG

²Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sahlgren Hospital, S-412 45 GÖTEBORG

Abstract

The injury mechanism for cervical vertebrae and spinal ligaments in road accidents are not fully understood today. Thus, we do not seem to know how to develop an optimal seat and head-rest, for minimizing the risk of injuries to the occupants in rear-end car collisions.

For this purpose a mechanical model of relevant cervical sections will be developed, based on experiments carried out on cadaver spine segments.

The experimental model consists of lumbar spine segments. A specially designed fixture is used to hold the specimen in a known orientation. Bending moments are applied to the upper vertebra in different directions. Loads and moments generated in the lumbar segments are then recorded with a biomechanical platform. At the same time the three-dimensional motion behaviour of relevant structures are studied.

First the specimens are exposed to a physiological range of motion, then disruption of ligaments is generated. After the injury generation the motion behavior is investigated again. The results will eventually be compared with clinical observations from real world accidents.

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Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
1992	Osvalder A-L, Neumann P, Lövsund P, Nordwall A. Dynamic load response of the in vitro lumbar spine in flexion. In: Proceedings of the 1992 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 9-11, 1992; Verona, Italy.239-251.