Effects of Facet Capsule Incision on Biomechanical Properties of Sheep Cervical Spine

Shih-Chang Chuang ； Ching-Wei Cheng ； Ti-Sheng Chang ； Wei-Min Chi ； Jian-Horng Chen

《Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering》 26卷2期 (2006/06) Pp. 61-67

並列摘要

This study discusses the discrepancy in biomechanical properties of cervical spines when they are after undergoing incisions of facet capsules and/or insertion of force sensors. Thirty sheep cervical spines were randomly and equally assigned to three groups. In Group Ⅰ, the spinal facet capsules were kept intact. In the remaining two groups, facet capsules C2-C6 were incised. In Group Ⅲ, a force sensor was implanted into each incised facet joint. A material testing system was utilized to provide dynamic load. Experimental results indicate that joint capsule incision decreased ultimate load, yield force, energy to ultimate load, and stiffness of the cervical spine. However, maximum deceleration increased slightly. Insertion of force sensors substantially reduced the energy to ultimate load, time to ultimate load and displacement to ultimate load; stiffness was increased significantly. Joint capsule incision causes hypermobility of the cervical spine, and can markedly decrease the sustainable load and parameter values related to force. Furthermore, sensor insertion reduces spinal range of motion; the values for all parameters related to displacement, except stiffness, decreased. Therefore, in future cervical spine experiments, the data obtained from the sensor inserted model can be used to revise that of the intact model according to the change ratio of above mentioned parameters. This can reduce the effect of such invasive method. And, the intact mechanical properties of the cervical spine can be further understood.

並列關鍵字

Facet Joint ； Capsule ； Incision ； Sensor ； Spine ； Dynamic Loading