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Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 2/2010

01-02-2010 | Original Article

In vitro 3D-kinematics of the upper cervical spine: helical axis and simulation for axial rotation and flexion extension

Authors: Pierre-Michel Dugailly, Stéphane Sobczak, Victor Sholukha, Serge Van Sint Jan, Patrick Salvia, Véronique Feipel, Marcel Rooze

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

Registration of 3D-anatomical model and kinematics data is reported to be an accurate method to provide 3D-joint simulation. We applied this approach to discrete kinematics analysis of upper cervical spine (UCS) during axial rotation (AR) and flexion extension (FE) to create anatomical models with movement simulation including helical axis.

Methods

Kinematics and CT imaging data were sampled in ten anatomical specimens. Using technical and anatomical marker digitizing, spatial position of segments was computed for five discrete positions of AR and FE using a 3D-digitizer. Computerized tomography was used to create anatomical models and to assure kinematics and imaging data registration for simulation. Kinematics was processed using orientation vector and helical axis (HA) computation.

Results

Maximal standard error on marker digitizing was 0.47 mm. Range of motion and coupled movement during AR was in agreement with previous in vitro studies. HA location and orientation have shown low variation at the occipitoaxial and atlantoaxial levels for FE and AR, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a protocol to create UCS anatomical model simulations including three-dimensional discrete kinematics, using previously validated methods. In this study, simultaneous segmental movement simulation and display of HA variations was shown to be feasible. Although partially confirming previous results, helical axis computation showed variations of motion patterns dependent on movement, level and specimen. Further in vivo investigations are needed to confirm relevance of this method in the clinical field.
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Metadata
Title
In vitro 3D-kinematics of the upper cervical spine: helical axis and simulation for axial rotation and flexion extension
Authors
Pierre-Michel Dugailly
Stéphane Sobczak
Victor Sholukha
Serge Van Sint Jan
Patrick Salvia
Véronique Feipel
Marcel Rooze
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0556-1

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