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Numerical investigation on the stability of human upper cervical spine (C1–C3)

Numerical investigation on the stability of human upper cervical spine (C1–C3)

Authors :
Guohua Wang
Waseem ur Rahman
Zhijun Li
Wei Jiang
Source :
Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering. 33:169-181
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
IOS Press, 2022.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The finite element method (FEM) is an efficient and powerful tool for studying human spine biomechanics. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a detailed asymmetric three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the upper cervical spine was developed from the computed tomography (CT) scan data to analyze the effect of ligaments and facet joints on the stability of the upper cervical spine. METHODS: A 3D FE model was validated against data obtained from previously published works, which were performed in vitro and FE analysis of vertebrae under three types of loads, i.e. flexion/extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. RESULTS: The results show that the range of motion of segment C1–C2 is more flexible than that of segment C2–C3. Moreover, the results from the FE model were used to compute stresses on the ligaments and facet joints of the upper cervical spine during physiological moments. CONCLUSION: The anterior longitudinal ligaments (ALL) and interspinous ligaments (ISL) are found to be the most active ligaments, and the maximum stress distribution is appear on the vertebra C3 superior facet surface under both extension and flexion moments.

Details

ISSN :
18783619 and 09592989
Volume :
33
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....0f5f2e83d6a99a7b0938c9d732fca645
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3233/bme-211247