A continuous pure moment loading apparatus for biomechanical testing of multi-segment spine specimens

J Biomech. 2000 Jun;33(6):765-70. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9290(00)00021-x.

Abstract

An apparatus is described that enables the application of continuous pure moment loads to multi-segment spine specimens. This loading apparatus allows continuous cycling of the spine between specified flexion and extension (or right and left lateral bending) maximum load endpoints. Using a six-degree-of-freedom load cell and three-dimensional optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry, characteristic displacement versus load hysteresis curves can be generated and analyzed for different spinal constructs of interest. Unlike quasi-static loading, the use of continuous loading permits the analysis of the spine's behaviour within the neutral zone. This information is of particular clinical significance given that the instability of a spinal segment is related to its flexibility within the neutral zone. Representative curves for the porcine lumbar spine in flexion-extension and lateral bending are presented to illustrate the capabilities of this system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biophysics / instrumentation
  • Electronics
  • Equipment Design
  • Infrared Rays
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology
  • Longitudinal Ligaments / physiology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / physiology*
  • Movement
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Photogrammetry
  • Pliability
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Swine
  • Weight-Bearing / physiology*