Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (22): 3996-3999.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.22.002

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Role of cervical three-dimensional motion on contact pressures of facet joint

Zhao Wei-dong1, Xu Bo2, Zhang Mei-chao1, Fan Ji-hong1   

  1. 1 Department of Medical Biomechanics Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou  510515, Guangdong Province, China;    2 Department of Orthopeadic and Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou  510515, Guangdong Province, China
  • Online:2010-05-28 Published:2010-05-28
  • Contact: Xu Bo, Associate professor, Associate chief physician, Department of Orthopeadic and Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China xbyyl@fimmu.com
  • About author:Zhao Wei-dong, Associate investi gator, Department of Medical Biomechanics Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China ZWD89091@126.com

PDF

467

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Contact pressure of facet joint acts an important role in physiological motion. However, there is lack of direct measurement for contact pressures of cervical facet joint.
OBJECTIVE: To measure the contact pressure variation of facet joint following cervical multi-level three-dimensional motion and to explore effect of cervical facet joint on stress distribution and segment motion regulation.
METHODS: Totally 6 adult fresh cervical spinal specimens (C2-7) were tested. Pressure sensitive film was put into left-side facet joints of C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 segments. Firstly, 75 N of the follower load was applied, and then a three-dimensional movement was performed with the continuous load model. Contact pressures of facet joint were measured in 0 Nm and 2.0 N•m (flexion/extension, left/right lateral bending) and 4.0 N•m moment (left/right axial rotation).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the neutral position, contact pressure of left-side facet joint of C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 received 20.6%, 20.0% and 21.3% load of the 75 N follower loads respectively. Contact pressure of left-side facet joint increased significantly in extension, left lateral bending and right axial rotation in all segments (P < 0.05), but not obviously changed in flexion, right lateral bending and left axial rotation. There was no significance among three segments (P > 0.05). Contact pressure variation of facet joint was affected by facet inclined degrees and load direction. It is indicated that cervical facet joint acts an important role in stress distribution and segment motion regulation.

CLC Number: