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European Spine Journal

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01-09-2017 | Original Article

A finite element study of traditional Chinese cervical manipulation

Authors: Zhen Deng, Kuan Wang, Huihao Wang, Tianying Lan, Hongsheng Zhan, Wenxin Niu

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Traditional Chinese cervical manipulation (TCCM) has been claimed as an effective treatment for diseases of the cervical spine, but its biomechanical effects on the vertebral body and intervertebral discs remain unclear. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a detailed finite element model of cervical spine, which was then used to investigate the biomechanical response of the cervical spine to TCCM.

Methods

The model of a C2–T1 cervical spine was constructed based on CT images of a healthy male volunteer and validated against published in vitro studies under different loading conditions. The detailed force–time data of TCCM were measured on the same volunteer through dynamometric diaphragms. The data were applied on the validated finite element model to simulate TCCM.

Results

The current model could offer potentials to effectively reflect the behavior of human cervical spine suitable for biomechanics studies of TCCM. Under simulated TCCM condition, the stress distributions in cervical spine and intervertebral discs could not be completely explained through the traditional theory.

Conclusion

Spinal manipulation, or TCCM, might play no role in reducing intradiscal pressure for treating cervical spondylosis. It could cause less stress concentration in intervertebral discs while operating spinal manipulation or TCCM when the adjustment points was chosen near the root of spinous process than the top of spinous process.

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Title: A finite element study of traditional Chinese cervical manipulation
Authors: Zhen Deng
Kuan Wang
Huihao Wang
Tianying Lan
Hongsheng Zhan
Wenxin Niu
Publication date: 01-09-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5193-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A finite element study of traditional Chinese cervical manipulation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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