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European Spine Journal

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01-01-2013 | Original Article

Effects of orthoses on three-dimensional load–displacement properties of the cervical spine

Author: Paul C. Ivancic

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Our objectives were to develop a skull-neck-thorax model capable of quantifying spinal motions in an intact human cadaver neck with and without cervical orthoses, determine the effect of orthoses on three-dimensional load–displacement properties of all cervical spinal levels, and compare and contrast our results with previously reported in vivo data.

Methods

Load input flexibility tests were performed to evaluate two cervical collars (Vista^® collar and Vista^® Multipost collar) and two cervicothoracic orthoses (CTOs: Vista^® TS and Vista^® TS4) using the skull-neck-thorax model with 10 intact whole cervical spine specimens. The physiologic range of motion (RoM) limit was the peak obtained from flexibility tests with no orthosis. Pair-wise repeated measures, analysis of variance (p < 0.05), and Bonferroni post hoc tests determined significant differences in average peak RoM at each spinal level among the experimental conditions.

Results

Significant reductions below physiologic limits were observed due to all orthoses in: three-dimensional head/T1 RoMs, all sagittal intervertebral RoMs, and lateral bending at C4/5 through C7/T1. Both CTOs significantly reduced C6/7 sagittal RoM as compared to both collars. Intervertebral RoMs with the orthoses could not be differentiated from physiologic limits at the upper cervical spine in lateral bending and throughout the entire cervical spine in axial rotation, with the exception of C1/2.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that cervical orthoses effectively immobilized the entire cervical spine in flexion/extension and the lower cervical spine in lateral bending. The CTOs improved immobilization of the lower cervical spine in flexion/extension as compared to the collars. The orthoses were least effective at restricting lateral bending of the upper spinal levels and axial rotation of all spinal levels, except C1/2. Understanding immobilization provided by orthoses will assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate brace based upon patient-specific immobilization requirements.

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Title: Effects of orthoses on three-dimensional load–displacement properties of the cervical spine
Author: Paul C. Ivancic
Publication date: 01-01-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2552-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effects of orthoses on three-dimensional load–displacement properties of the cervical spine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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