Anterior longitudinal ligament injuries in whiplash may lead to cervical instability

Although whiplash injuries account for a significant annual cost to society, the exact mechanism of injury and affected tissues remain unknown. Previous investigations documented injuries to the cervical anterior longitudinal ligament in whiplash. The present investigation implemented a comprehensively validated computational model to quantify level-dependent distraction magnitudes of this structure in whiplash. Maximum ligament distractions approached failure levels, particularly in middle to lower cervical levels, and occurred during the initial phase of head-neck kinematics. In particular, the C5-C6 anterior longitudinal ligament sustained distraction magnitudes as high as 2.6mm during the retraction phase, corresponding to 56% of distraction necessary to result in ligament failure. Present results demonstrated that anterior structures in the lower cervical spine may be susceptible to injury through excess distraction during the retraction phase of whiplash, which likely occurs prior to head restraint contact. Susceptibility of these structures is likely due to non-physiologic loading placed on the cervical spinal column as the head translates posteriorly relative to the thorax. Injury to anterior spinal structures can result in clinical indications including cervical instability in extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending modes. Mitigation of whiplash injury may be achieved by minimizing head retraction during initial stages of whiplash.     

Application of an asymmetric finite element model of the C2-T1 cervical spine for evaluating the role of soft tissues in stability

Different finite element models of the cervical spine have been suggested for evaluating the roles of ligaments, facet joints, and disks in the stability of cervical spine under sagittal moments. However, no comprehensive study on the response of the full cervical spine that has used a detailed finite element (FE) model (C2-T1) that considers the asymmetry about the mid-sagittal plane has been reported. The aims of this study were to consider asymmetry in a FE model of the full cervical spine and to investigate the influences of ligaments, facet joints, and disk nucleus on the stability of the asymmetric model during flexion and extension. The model was validated against various published in vitro studies and FE studies for the three main loading planes. Next, the C4-C5 level was modified to simulate different cases to investigate the role of the soft tissues in segmental stability. The FE model predicted that excluding the interspinous ligament (ISL) from the index level would cause excessive instability during flexion and that excluding the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) or the ligamentum flavum (LF) would not affect segmental rotation. During extension, motion increased when the facet joints were excluded. The model without disk nucleus was unstable compared to the intact model at lower loads and exhibited a similar rotation response at higher loads.     

Finite element modeling of the cervical spine: role of intervertebral disc under axial and eccentric loads

An anatomically accurate, three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element model of the human cervical spine was developed using computed tomography images and cryomicrotome sections. The detailed model included the cortical bone, cancellous core, endplate, lamina, pedicle, transverse processes and spinous processes of the vertebrae; the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs; the uncovertebral joints; the articular cartilage, the synovial fluid and synovial membrane of the facet joints; and the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, interspinous ligaments, capsular ligaments and ligamentum flavum. The finite element model was validated with experimental results: force–displacement and localized strain responses of the vertebral body and lateral masses under pure compression, and varying eccentric anterior-compression and posterior-compression loading modes. This experimentally validated finite element model was used to study the biomechanics of the cervical spine intervertebral disc by quantifying the internal axial and shear forces resisted by the ventral, middle, and dorsal regions of the disc under the above axial and eccentric loading modes. Results indicated that higher axial forces (compared to shear forces) were transmitted through different regions of the disc under all loading modes. While the ventral region of the disc resisted higher variations in axial force, the dorsal region transmitted higher shear forces under all loading modes. These findings may offer an insight to better understand the biomechanical role of the human cervical spine intervertebral disc.     

The sinuvertebral nerves at the craniovertebral junction: A microdissection study

Bogduk et al. ( 1988 , Spine 13:2–8) noted that the joints and ligaments at the cervico‐occipital region are susceptible to whiplash injury. The upper three cervical sinuvertebral nerves (SVNs) at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) are thought to be responsible for mediating pain from the ligaments, dura mater, and soft tissues of the posterior cranial fossa and upper cervical column. The purpose of this study was to describe in detail the origin and course of the SVNs at C0–C1, C1–C2, and C2–C3 intervertebral levels and their anterior intraspinal distribution. A sample comprising 10 adult, 12 fetal (crown rump length = 155–250 mm), and three stillborn neonatal (n = 50 sides) embalmed cadaveric cervical spines was microdissected (Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany, 8–40× magnification). A laminectomy of the cervical spine with an occipital craniectomy (seven adult and all fetal specimens) or a horizontal section of the intervertebral levels was performed (three adult specimens) to expose the craniocervical canal. In both adult and fetal specimens, all three cervical SVNs arose from two roots, a somatic root (from the spinal nerve or ventral ramus or both) and a sympathetic root (from the vertebral artery plexus or superior cervical ganglion). The C1 and C2 SVNs were variable in number. The C2 and C3 SVN innervated most of the structures at the CVJ as well as the basiocciput region. The C1 SVN supplied a very small part of the atlanto‐occipital joint area. The intraspinal courses of all three SVNs consisted of ascending and descending branches closely adherent to the arteries of the CVJ. They supplied the dura mater, the ligaments, adjacent joints, and soft tissues by tiny branches from the main branches. The detailed origins and course are described. Clin. Anat. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Finite element analysis of the influence of loading rate on a model of the full lumbar spine under dynamic loading conditions

Despite an increase in the number of experimental and numerical studies dedicated to spinal trauma, the influence of the rate of loading or displacement on lumbar spine injuries remains unclear. In the present work, we developed a bio-realistic finite element model (FEM) of the lumbar spine using a comprehensive geometrical representation of spinal components and material laws that include strain rate dependency, bone fracture, and ligament failure. The FEM was validated against published experimental data and used to compare the initiation sites of spinal injuries under low (LD) and high (HD) dynamic compression, flexion, extension, anterior shear, and posterior shear. Simulations resulted in force-displacement and moment-angular rotation curves well within experimental corridors, with the exception of LD flexion where angular stiffness was higher than experimental values. Such a discrepancy is attributed to the initial toe-region of the ligaments not being included in the material law used in the study. Spinal injuries were observed at different initiation sites under LD and HD loading conditions, except under shear loads. These findings suggest that the strain rate dependent behavior of spinal components plays a significant role in load-sharing and failure mechanisms of the spine under different loading conditions.     

基于Simpleware全颈椎三维有限元模型的构建与分析

目的 利用Simpleware软件构建全颈椎三维有限元模型,并对模型进行验证和分析,为探讨颈椎损伤机制提供可靠模型。方法 基于CT断层扫描图像,利用医学图像处理软件Simpleware、逆向工程软件Geomagic建立C1~7全颈椎三维实体模型,导入Hypermesh进行颈椎网格划分、添加韧带并引入小关节突接触关系等,建立C1~7全颈椎有限元模型,在ANSYS中模拟前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转工况下颈椎的生物力学性能。结果 建立的模型准确可靠,在前屈、后伸、侧弯和轴向旋转时,活动范围与文献中离体实验和有限元分析结果相近。椎间盘应力集中在椎体受压侧,C4/5最易产生应力集中。结论 建立的C1~7全颈椎有限元模型能够有效模拟颈椎的生物力学特性,为后续颈椎挥鞭样损伤的生物力学研究奠定良好的基础。     

An enhanced and validated generic thoraco-lumbar spine model for prediction of muscle forces

A direct measurement of the complete loads in the spine continues to remain elusive. Analytical musculoskeletal models to predict the internal loading conditions generally neglect or strongly simplify passive soft tissue structures. However, during large intervertebral motions, passive structures such as ligaments and the stiffness of the intervertebral discs are thought to play a critical role on the muscle forces required for equilibrium. The objective of the present study was to add the short segmental muscles, lumbar ligaments and disc stiffnesses to an existing base musculoskeletal model of the spine in order to establish what role passive soft tissue structures play in spinal loading, but also validate these results against experimentally determined load data. The long trunk muscles not included in previous models, short segmental muscles, lumbar ligaments and disc stiffnesses were implemented into a commercially available musculoskeletal spine model construct. For several activities of daily living, the loads acting on the vertebral bodies were then calculated relative to the value for standing, and then compared to the corresponding values measured in vivo. Good agreement between calculated and measured results could be achieved in all cases, with a maximum difference of 9%. The highest muscle forces were predicted in the m. longissimus (146N) for flexion, in the m. rectus abdominis (363N) for extension, and in the m. psoas major (144N and 81N) for lateral bending and axial rotation. This study has demonstrated that the inclusion of the complete set of muscle and ligament structures into musculoskeletal models of the spine is essential before accurate spinal forces can be determined. For the first time, trend validation of spinal loading has been achieved, thus allowing confidence in the precise prediction of muscle forces for a range of activities of daily living.     

建立人体头颈动力学有限元模型和验证

目的建立符合解剖结构的头颈三维动力学有限元模型,研究冲击力作用下头颈部动力学响应。方法采用中国成年男性志愿者颈部CT扫描图像,获取颈椎三维点云数据,通过有限元前处理软件ICEM-CFD和Hyper Mesh建立颈部有限元模型。模型包括椎骨、椎间盘、小关节、韧带和软骨等组织,结合已建立并验证的头部有限元模型,装配成具有详细解剖结构的人体头颈部有限元模型。结果模型参考公开发表的头颈部轴向冲击实验数据进行验证,其颈部变形、头部加速度、接触力曲线以及损伤部位与实验数据吻合较好。结论动力学三维有限元模型可用于汽车安全、运动学损伤等领域人体头颈部的动态响应和损伤机制研究。     

颈椎人工椎间盘置换有限元分析

目的　建立C4~5节段PrestigeTM-LP颈椎人工椎间盘植入后的三维有限元模型,进行手术节段的运动分析。 方法 采用对成年男性的新鲜尸体的颈椎标本进行CT三维扫描方法建立C4~5节段和PrestigeTM-LP人工间盘有限元,模拟完成C4~5人工椎间盘置换手术。测量生理加载下手术节段前屈/后伸、侧弯及轴向旋转运动角度。结果 有限元模型对颈椎的结构,包括椎体间韧带、颈椎关节突关节、钩椎关节等均进行了精确的重建,并较好地模拟手术操作进行PrestigeTM-LP人工间盘植入。运动加载后运动角度,前屈5.7°,后伸3.5°,侧弯5.0°,旋转11.3°,与文献报道结果较为接近。 结论　有限元模型具有精确度高,手术模拟真实的特点,可作为颈椎人工椎间盘生物力学研究的一种较好途径。PrestigeTM-LP颈椎人工椎间盘置换可较好地保留手术节段的运动功能。     

Influence of surgical treatment for disc degeneration disease at C5–C6 on changes in some biomechanical parameters of the cervical spine

A detailed three-dimensional solid model of the full cervical spine (C1–C7 levels) and the finite element analysis method were used to investigate the extent of changes in various biomechanical properties brought about when surgical methods are used to treat condition(s) caused by or are a sequela of disc degeneration disease at the C5–C6 level. The surgical methods simulated were anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, with interbody fusion achieved using a notional brick-shaped graft only; anterior cervical discectomy alone; percutaneous nucleotomy; and three variants of nucleus replacement. The control case was a model of an intact, healthy, adult spine. Each of these seven models was subjected to (1) flexion moment, extension moment, left lateral bending moment, right lateral bending moment, clockwise-acting axial rotation moment, and counterclockwise-acting axial rotation moment, with a compression pre-load applied simultaneously with each of these loadings and (2) an axial compression force (applied as a uniform pressure) only. For each combination of model and applied loading, the maximum von Mises stress and the maximum strain energy density were determined for tissues at the treated level, at one level above the treated level, and at one level below the treated level and (2) the total principal rotation angles at each of the intersegmental positions of the entire model. In addition, for each of the study cases, we obtained the longitudinal displacement of each of the models when subjected to the axial compression force only.We found markedly fewer changes (relative to the results when the intact, healthy spine model was used) in each of the above-mentioned biomechanical parameters above a specified threshold in the case of the simulated percutaneous nucleotomy and simulated nucleus replacement models, on one hand, compared to the simulated fusion and simulated discectomy models, on the other. This finding is in consonance with the evolving clinical practice of using minimally invasive surgical methods for treating problem(s) such as soft cervical disc herniations.     

The relationship between disc degeneration and morphologic changes in the intervertebral foramen of the cervical spine: a cadaveric MRI and CT study

A cadaveric study was performed to investigate the relationship between disc degeneration and morphological changes in the intervertebral foramen of cervical spine, including the effect on the nerve root. Seven fresh frozen human cadavers were dissected from C1 to T1, preserving the ligaments, capsules, intervertebral disc and the neural structures. The specimens were scanned with MRI and then scanned through CT scan in the upright position. Direct mid-sagittal and 45 degree oblique images were obtained to measure the dimension of the intervertebral disc height, foraminal height, width, area and segmental angles. Disc degeneration was inversely correlated with disc height. There was a significant correlation between disc degeneration and foraminal width (p<0.005) and foraminal area (p< 0.05), but not with foraminal height. Disc height was correlated with foraminal width but not with height. The segmental angles were decreased more in advanced degenerated discs. There was a correlation between nerve root compression and decreased foraminal width and area (p<0.005). This information and critical dimensions of the intervertebral foramen for nerve root compression should help in the diagnosis of foraminal stenosis of the cervical spine in patients presenting with cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy.     

Development and Validation of a 10-Year-Old Child Ligamentous Cervical Spine Finite Element Model

Although a number of finite element (FE) adult cervical spine models have been developed to understand the injury mechanisms of the neck in automotive related crash scenarios, there have been fewer efforts to develop a child neck model. In this study, a 10-year-old ligamentous cervical spine FE model was developed for application in the improvement of pediatric safety related to motor vehicle crashes. The model geometry was obtained from medical scans and meshed using a multi-block approach. Appropriate properties based on review of literature in conjunction with scaling were assigned to different parts of the model. Child tensile force–deformation data in three segments, Occipital-C2 (C0–C2), C4–C5 and C6–C7, were used to validate the cervical spine model and predict failure forces and displacements. Design of computer experiments was performed to determine failure properties for intervertebral discs and ligaments needed to set up the FE model. The model-predicted ultimate displacements and forces were within the experimental range. The cervical spine FE model was validated in flexion and extension against the child experimental data in three segments, C0–C2, C4–C5 and C6–C7. Other model predictions were found to be consistent with the experimental responses scaled from adult data. The whole cervical spine model was also validated in tension, flexion and extension against the child experimental data. This study provided methods for developing a child ligamentous cervical spine FE model and to predict soft tissue failures in tension.     

Alteration of load sharing of anterior cervical implants with change in cervical sagittal alignment

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is often supplemented with the application of an anterior plate to improve the stability of the fusion segment. While plate design has been shown to influence stress shielding of the graft, little is known about how the kyphotic alignment of a fused cervical segment affects the load sharing between the anterior plate and the osteoligamentous structures of the spine. The aim of this study was to characterize load sharing between an anterior plate and the osteoligamentous structures of the cervical motion segments in kyphotic versus normal lordotic alignment following single-level ACDF using fresh ovine cervical spines (C3-C6). The loading protocol involved preloading the spine with a 20 N compressive force and applying quasi-static moments (up to 2.1 Nm) in the sagittal plane to simulate flexion and extension. Stiffness of the fusion segment was measured from the moment-rotation plot. Normal lordotic alignment was replicated by insertion of a fibular allograft 2 mm taller than the interbody space. Kyphotic alignment was simulated by removing the graft and reapplying a shorter anterior cervical plate. The average segmental sagittal angulation at C4-C5 was 5.2+/-1.6 degrees of lordosis for the normal lordotic group and 6.8+/-2.3 degrees of kyphosis for the kyphotic group. With flexion, the plate shared 52.8% of the applied load in the normal lordotic group, and 70.1% in the kyphotic group (p<0.03). In extension, the amount of load-share by the plate in the normal lordotic group was comparable to that of the kyphotic group (52.7% vs. 40.7%, p=0.16). This study shows that kyphotic alignment of the cervical fusion segment increases the load sharing of the anterior plate under flexion loading.     

Evaluation of the role of ligaments, facets and disc nucleus in lower cervical spine under compression and sagittal moments using finite element method.

Cervical spinal instability due to ligamentous injury, degenerated disc and facetectomy is a subject of great controversy. There is no analytical investigation reported on the biomechanical response of cervical spine in these respects. Parametric study on the roles of ligaments, facets, and disc nucleus of human lower cervical spine (C4-C6) was conducted for the very first time using noninvasive finite element method.A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the human lower cervical spine, consisted of 11,187 nodes and 7730 elements modeling the bony vertebrae, articulating facets, intervertebral disc, and associated ligaments, was developed and validated against the published data under three load configurations: axial compression; flexion; and extension. The FE model was further modified accordingly to investigate the role of disc, facets and ligaments in preserving cervical spine motion segment stability in these load configurations. The passive FE model predicted the nonlinear force displacement response of the human cervical spine, with increasing stiffness at higher loads. It also predicted that ligaments, facets or disc nucleus are crucial to maintain the cervical spine stability, in terms of sagittal rotational movement or redistribution of load. FE method of analysis is an invaluable application that can supplement experimental research in understanding the clinical biomechanics of the human cervical spine.     

颈椎前路带锁钢板治疗颈椎病及颈椎损伤17例

目的：探讨颈椎带锁钢板在颈椎前路融合术中的作用。方法：采用前路减压、自体髂骨植骨及带锁钢板内固定术治疗颈椎疾病及颈椎损伤17例。结果：本组17例均获得随访，随访时间2～12个月。颈椎植骨处牢固融合，椎间高度维持良好，无钢板螺钉松动、滑脱、断裂等并发症。结论：颈椎前路带锁钢板内固定术可使颈椎术后即刻稳定，植骨块更牢靠，可提高植骨融合率，并能有效维持椎间高度及生理弧度，减少由于椎间塌陷带来的继发神经损害。     

汽车后碰撞时人体头颈部的动力学响应及损伤分析

目的建立基于人体解剖学结构的精细化头颈部有限元模型,研究不同后碰撞速度下颈部损伤。方法该模型以人体头颈部CT扫描图像为基础,利用Mimics进行三维骨重建,通过Hyper Mesh完善颈部三维实体韧带、小关节等组织,并进行网格划分。生成的模型包括头部、8节椎骨(C1～T1)、6个椎间盘(包括纤维环、髓核和上下软骨终板)、小关节(包括软骨和关节囊韧带)、韧带、肌肉等结构,最后在有限元后处理软件中完成模型验证与后碰撞计算。结果分别对模型进行轴向冲击、前后屈伸和侧屈模拟并与实验数据对比,验证模型的有效性,并进行速度为20、40、60、80 km/h后碰撞计算。在20 km/h速度下,颈部无损伤出现,在40、60、80 km/h速度下,最早出现损伤的都是韧带。随着速度增加,颈部各组织受力不断增大。速度为80 km/h时,颈椎的密质骨、松质骨和纤维环最大应力分别为226. 4、11. 5、162. 8 MPa,当韧带应变达到极限时,开始出现撕裂。结论所建头颈部有限元模型具有较高的生物仿真度和有效性,可用于交通事故中颈部损伤分析的研究,在一定程度上有助于颈椎损伤的诊断、治疗和预防。     

Degeneration of the human lumbar spine ligaments. An ultrastructural study

The fine structural alterations in human lumbar spine ligaments were studied in tissue samples obtained from 8 young patients operated upon for idiopathic scoliosis and from 10 adult patients operated upon for herniated discs. The ultrastructure of the scoliotic ligaments was found to be normal. The majority of cells encountered were the fibroblastic-like cells. The collagen-proteoglycans interaction was similar to that described in other normal soft tissues. However, two forms of degenerative changes were demonstrated in posterior ligaments of patients with herniated discs. Metaplasia of ligamentous tissue into fibrocartilage was a common finding. The fibroblasts were replaced by chondrocytes. A few cells which had suffered necrosis were found. Alterations in the collagen-proteoglycans arrangement were also evidenced. This form of degeneration resembled that commonly associated with wear and tear phenomena. A second form of degeneration due to ageing was found to coexist with the aforementioned alterations.     

6岁儿童全颈有限元模型的构建及验证

目的利用6岁儿童颈部有限元模型预测不同载荷下颈部损伤的力学响应。方法基于CT图像构建具有真实肌肉的6岁儿童颈部有限元模型,应用该模型通过分别重构儿童颈椎不同节段的动态拉伸实验、全颈椎拉伸实验和儿童志愿者低速碰撞实验验证其有效性。结果不同椎段拉伸仿真试验和全颈椎拉伸仿真试验中的力-位移曲线能够较好吻合实验曲线;儿童志愿者仿真试验的头部角速度-时间历程曲线位于实验数据通道内,吻合较好。结论该模型有效性得到验证,可用于研究儿童颈部不同载荷条件下的生物力学响应及损伤机制。     

Finite element modeling of multi-level cervical spinal segments (C3-C6) and biomechanical analysis of an elastomer-type prosthetic disc

A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for the multi-level lower cervical spinal segment C3-C6 has been developed using computed tomography (CT) data, and applied to study of the effects of the fusion and the artificial disc prosthesis on the biomechanical behavior of the lower cervical spine. The NURBS computer adided dedsig (CAD) data used in this study for modeling the vertebrae facilitate adding surface patch layouts for seamless attachment of the soft tissues, such as intervertebral discs onto the vertebrae. A FE model was completed by generating mesh out of this geometry. Its accuracy was validated by comparing with previously published experimental and numerical results for the flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending moments. An implantation of an elastomer-type disc prosthesis or fused graft between C4-C5 vertebrae was considered in the FE model by modifying the intact disc. It is shown that the fusion reduced the mobility at its level by about 50-70% for the considered loading cases. It is numerically demonstrated that an elastomer with Young's modulus of 5.9 MPa for the artificial disc prosthesis well restores the biomechanical behavior of the intact spine.     

Progressive disc degeneration at C5-C6 segment affects the mechanics between disc heights and posterior facets above and below the degenerated segment: A flexion-extension investigation using a poroelastic C3-T1 finite element model

Disc degeneration (DD) is often accompanied by a height reduction of the anterior and posterior discs (AD and PD, respectively), and this affect the way in which articulating posterior facets (PFs) come into contact during physiological motions. Any increase in the contact between overlapping articulating facet surfaces increases PF loading. Development of adjacent segment disease is a significant clinical concern. It still is not clear how degenerative motion changes in AD and PD heights affect the mechanics of adjacent segment discs and facets. We hypothesized that changes in axial height patterns (in the AD and PD) at the degenerated C5-C6 disc-segment would affect axial height patterns (in the AD and PD) above and below the degenerated disc-segment. A previously validated poroelastic three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a normal C3-T1 segment was used. Two additional C3-T1 models were built with moderate and severe DD at C5-C6. The three FE models were evaluated in flexion and extension. With progressive C5-C6 DD, AD and PD flexibility (axial deformation or elongation per unit load) at C5-C6 decrease with a compensatory corresponding flexibility increase in adjacent segments (normal), whereas PF loading increased at all segments only during extension. Changes in AD and PD flexibility and PF loading were higher at inferior segments than at superior segments. This study confirmed the hypothesis that the anterior and posterior discs and articulating facets of cervical spine segments are affected during flexion and extension motions when a disc-segment degenerates. Motion changes involving a higher PD height loss, both at the degenerated and adjacent segments, would further increase PF loading along the posterior spinal column - a possible mechanism for the dysfunctioning of the facet joints. The current data should be compared to other multi-segmental cervical spine experiments.