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Published in: European Spine Journal 1/2016

01-01-2016 | Original Article

Addition of lateral bending range of motion measurement to standard sagittal measurement to improve diagnosis sensitivity of ligamentous injury in the human lower cervical spine

Authors: P. Devin Leahy, Christian M. Puttlitz

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the cervical spine range of motion (ROM) resulting from whiplash-type hyperextension and hyperflexion type ligamentous injuries, and sought to improve the accuracy of specific diagnosis of these injuries.

Methods

The study was accomplished by measurement of ROM throughout axial rotation, lateral bending, and flexion and extension, using a validated finite element model of the cervical spine that was modified to simulate hyperextension and/or hyperflexion injuries.

Results

It was found that the kinematic difference between hyperextension and hyperflexion injuries was minimal throughout the combined flexion and extension ROM measurement that is commonly used for clinical diagnosis of cervical ligamentous injury. However, the two injuries demonstrated substantially different ROM under axial rotation and lateral bending.

Conclusions

It is recommended that other bending axes beyond flexion and extension are incorporated into clinical diagnosis of cervical ligamentous injury.
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Metadata
Title
Addition of lateral bending range of motion measurement to standard sagittal measurement to improve diagnosis sensitivity of ligamentous injury in the human lower cervical spine
Authors
P. Devin Leahy
Christian M. Puttlitz
Publication date
01-01-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-4110-z

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