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He P, Yang Y, Wang M, Li D, Yuan H, Wang J, He Q, Feng D, Liu X. Is the disappearance of the cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon associated with cervical degeneration in healthy people? EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024:10.1007/s00586-024-08355-x. [PMID: 38869650 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08355-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore the differences in cervical degeneration between healthy people with and without cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) and to identify whether the disappearance of cervical FRP is related to cervical degeneration. METHODS According to the flexion relaxation ratio (FRR), healthy subjects were divided into the normal FRP group and the abnormal FRP group. Besides, MRI was used to evaluate the degeneration of the passive subsystem (vertebral body, intervertebral disc, cervical sagittal balance, etc.) and the active subsystem (deep flexors [DEs], deep extensors [DFs], and superficial extensors [SEs]). In addition, the correlation of the FRR with the cervical degeneration score, C2-7Cobb, Borden method, relative total cross-sectional area (rTCSA), relative functional cross-sectional area (rFCSA), and fatty infiltration ratio (FIR) was analyzed. RESULTS A total of 128 healthy subjects were divided into the normal FRP group (n=52, 40.63%) and the abnormal FRP group (n=76, 59.38%). There were significant differences between the normal FRP group and the abnormal FRP group in the cervical degeneration score (z=-6.819, P<0.001), C2-7Cobb (t=2.994, P=0.004), Borden method (t=2.811, P=0.006), and FIR of DEs (t=-4.322, P<0.001). The FRR was significantly correlated with the cervical degeneration score (r=-0.457, P<0.001), C2-7Cobb (r=0.228, P=0.010), Borden method (r=0.197, P=0.026), and FIR of DEs (r=-0.253, P=0.004). CONCLUSION The disappearance of cervical FRP is related to cervical degeneration. A new hypothesis mechanism for FRP is proposed. The cervical FRP test is an effective and noninvasive examination for the differential diagnosis of healthy people, people with potential NSNP, and patients with NSNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peifeng He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu City, China
| | - Yunbo Yang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, China
| | - Minglang Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, China
| | - Jianxiong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bazhong City Traditional Medical Hospital, Bazhong City, China
| | - Daxiong Feng
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, China.
| | - Xuanwen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu City, China.
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Gould SL, Davico G, Liebsch C, Wilke HJ, Cristofolini L, Viceconti M. Variability of intervertebral joint stiffness between specimens and spine levels. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1372088. [PMID: 38486868 PMCID: PMC10937554 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1372088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal multibody models of the spine can be used to investigate the biomechanical behaviour of the spine. In this context, a correct characterisation of the passive mechanical properties of the intervertebral joint is crucial. The intervertebral joint stiffness, in particular, is typically derived from the literature, and the differences between individuals and spine levels are often disregarded. Methods: This study tested if an optimisation method of personalising the intervertebral joint stiffnesses was able to capture expected stiffness variation between specimens and between spine levels and if the variation between spine levels could be accurately captured using a generic scaling ratio. Multibody models of six T12 to sacrum spine specimens were created from computed tomography data. For each specimen, two models were created: one with uniform stiffnesses across spine levels, and one accounting for level dependency. Three loading conditions were simulated. The initial stiffness values were optimised to minimize the kinematic error. Results: There was a range of optimised stiffnesses across the specimens and the models with level dependent stiffnesses were less accurate than the models without. Using an optimised stiffness substantially reduced prediction errors. Discussion: The optimisation captured the expected variation between specimens, and the prediction errors demonstrated the importance of accounting for level dependency. The inaccuracy of the predicted kinematics for the level-dependent models indicated that a generic scaling ratio is not a suitable method to account for the level dependency. The variation in the optimised stiffnesses for the different loading conditions indicates personalised stiffnesses should also be considered load-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele L. Gould
- Biomechanics Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Technology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Davico
- Biomechanics Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Technology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christian Liebsch
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma Research Ulm, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Wilke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma Research Ulm, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luca Cristofolini
- Biomechanics Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Viceconti
- Biomechanics Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Technology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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Skin marker-based subject-specific spinal alignment modeling: A feasibility study. J Biomech 2022; 137:111102. [PMID: 35489234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal models have the potential to improve diagnosis and optimize clinical treatment by predicting accurate outcomes on an individual basis. However, the subject-specific modeling of spinal alignment is often strongly simplified or is based on radiographic assessments, exposing subjects to unnecessary radiation. We therefore developed and introduced a novel skin marker-based approach for modeling subject-specific spinal alignment and evaluated its feasibility by comparing the predicted L1/L2 spinal loads during various functional activities with the loads predicted by the generically scaled models as well as with in vivo measured data obtained from the OrthoLoad database. Spinal loading simulations resulted in considerably higher compressive forces for both scaling approaches over all simulated activities, and AP shear forces that were closer or similar to the in vivo data for the subject-specific approach during upright standing activities and for the generic approach during activities that involved large flexions. These results underline the feasibility of the proposed method and associated workflow for inter- and intra-subject investigations using musculoskeletal simulations. When implemented into standard model scaling workflows, it is expected to improve the accuracy of muscle activity and joint loading simulations, which is crucial for investigations of treatment effects or pathology-dependent deviations.
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Gould SL, Cristofolini L, Davico G, Viceconti M. Computational modelling of the scoliotic spine: A literature review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 37:e3503. [PMID: 34114367 PMCID: PMC8518780 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that in severe cases requires surgical treatment. There is still disagreement among clinicians as to what the aim of such treatment is as well as the optimal surgical technique. Numerical models can aid clinical decision-making by estimating the outcome of a given surgical intervention. This paper provided some background information on the modelling of the healthy spine and a review of the literature on scoliotic spine models, their validation, and their application. An overview of the methods and techniques used to construct scoliotic finite element and multibody models was given as well as the boundary conditions used in the simulations. The current limitations of the models were discussed as well as how such limitations are addressed in non-scoliotic spine models. Finally, future directions for the numerical modelling of scoliosis were addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele L. Gould
- Department of Industrial EngineeringAlma Mater Studiorum‐University of Bologna (IT)BolognaItaly
- Medical Technology LabIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Luca Cristofolini
- Department of Industrial EngineeringAlma Mater Studiorum‐University of Bologna (IT)BolognaItaly
| | - Giorgio Davico
- Department of Industrial EngineeringAlma Mater Studiorum‐University of Bologna (IT)BolognaItaly
- Medical Technology LabIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Marco Viceconti
- Department of Industrial EngineeringAlma Mater Studiorum‐University of Bologna (IT)BolognaItaly
- Medical Technology LabIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
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Fan R, Liu J, Liu J. Prediction of the natural frequencies of different degrees of degenerated human lumbar segments L2-L3 using dynamic finite element analysis. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 209:106352. [PMID: 34419755 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Chronic exposure to resonant environment may cause more serious injuries to human lumbar spine than other vibrations. On the condition that the natural frequency of human lumbar spine is known, excitation frequency from an external vibration source can be optimized to keep away from the natural frequency and thus avoid lumbar resonance. Therefore, this study aimed to present an approach to predict the natural frequency of the human lumbar spine. METHODS Four poroelastic finite element models of human L2-L3 spinal motion segments with different degrees of degeneration were established. Dynamic finite element analyses of these models during 1 h of vibration were then conducted. The mechanical parameters of these models under vibrations at different excitation frequencies were predicted. The excitation frequencies that resulted in the greatest changes in the lumbar mechanical parameters were identified as the natural frequencies of the established L2-L3 spinal motion segments. RESULTS Simulation results showed that the natural frequencies of the healthy and mildly degenerated L2-L3 spinal motion segments, moderately degenerated L2-L3 spinal motion segments, and seriously degenerated L2-L3 spinal motion segments were in the range of 5-7, 3-5, and 1-3 Hz, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The predicted results indicated that the natural frequencies of the human L2-L3 spinal motion segments gradually decreased with the severity of degeneration. These phenomena may be related to changes in the lumbar structures and materials because of degeneration. This study provided a feasible method to predict the lumbar natural frequencies for different populations, which may be helpful in optimizing external vibration sources to avoid lumbar resonance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxun Fan
- Department of Automotive Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin 132022, China.
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Automotive Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin 132022, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
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Jo M, Chae SW. Stress analysis of intervertebral disc during occupational activities. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 208:106298. [PMID: 34340051 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Manual material handling activities cause large compression of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine. Intradiscal pressure (IDP) has generally been employed to predict the risk of low back injury. As an alternative to in vivo measurements, either motion analysis or finite element (FE) analysis has been used to estimate IDP. The purpose of this study is to propose a new biomechanical method that integrates FE analysis with motion analysis, in order to estimate the stresses and deformations of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine during occupational activities. METHODS In the proposed method, motion analysis is performed first by using motion capture data, and the results are employed as input data to FE analysis at specific times of interest during motion. In this method, an in-house interface program is used to scale an initial reference FE model to the subject of experiment, and transformed to the corresponding posture at a specific time during motion. The muscle forces and GRF obtained from motion analysis are applied to FE analysis as boundary and loading conditions. For a total of eighteen occupational activities, the IDP, shear stress, and strain of the L4-L5 segment are estimated. RESULTS Under each in vivo activity, the predicted IDP was in overall agreement with the available in vivo data. For lifting activities according to lift origin position, the maximum IDP occurred in the far-knee position immediately after lifting. As the lift origin position moved away from the spine, the stresses and strains in the disc increased. CONCLUSIONS This new proposed method is expected to allow the estimation of the stresses and deformations in the intervertebral disc during various occupational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhye Jo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Won Chae
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Nowakowska-Lipiec K, Michnik R, Linek P, Myśliwiec A, Jochymczyk-Woźniak K, Gzik M. A numerical study to determine the effect of strengthening and weakening of the transversus abdominis muscle on lumbar spine loads. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2020; 23:1287-1296. [DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2020.1795840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Nowakowska-Lipiec
- Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Robert Michnik
- Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Paweł Linek
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Myśliwiec
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Physiotherapy and Physioprevention, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jochymczyk-Woźniak
- Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Marek Gzik
- Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
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Cai XY, Sun MS, Huang YP, Liu ZX, Liu CJ, Du CF, Yang Q. Biomechanical Effect of L 4 -L 5 Intervertebral Disc Degeneration on the Lower Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Study. Orthop Surg 2020; 12:917-930. [PMID: 32476282 PMCID: PMC7307239 DOI: 10.1111/os.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain the biomechanical effects of a degenerated L4 -L5 segment on the lower lumbar spine through a comprehensive simulation of disc degeneration. METHODS A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of a normal L3 -S1 lumbar spine was constructed and validated. This normal model was then modified such that three degenerated models with different degrees of degeneration (mild, moderate, or severe) at the L4 -L5 level were constructed. While experiencing a follower compressive load (500 N), hybrid moment loads were applied to all models to determine range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), maximum von Mises stress in the annulus, maximum shear stress in the annulus, and facet joint force. RESULTS As the degree of disc degeneration increased, the ROM of the L4 -L5 degenerated segment declined dramatically in all postures (flexion: 5.79°-1.91°; extension: 5.53°-2.62°; right lateral bending: 4.47°-1.46°; left lateral bending: 4.86°-1.61°; right axial rotation: 2.69°-0.74°; left axial rotation: 2.69°-0.74°), while the ROM in adjacent segments increased (1.88°-8.19°). The largest percent decrease in motion of the L4 -L5 segment due to disc degeneration was in right axial rotation (75%), left axial rotation (69%), flexion (67%), right lateral bending (67%), left lateral bending right (67%), and extension (53%). The change in the trend of the IDP was the same as that of the ROM. Specifically, the IDP decreased (flexion: 0.592-0.09 MPa; extension: 0.678-0.334 MPa; right lateral bending: 0.498-0.205 MPa; left lateral bending: 0.523-0.272 MPa; right axial rotation: 0.535-0.246 MPa; left axial rotation: 0.53-0.266 MPa) in the L4 -L5 segment, while the IDP in adjacent segments increased (0.511-0.789 MPa). The maximum von Mises stress and maximum shear stress of the annulus in whole lumbar spine segments increased (L4 -L5 segment: 0.413-2.626 MPa and 0.412-2.783 MPa, respectively; adjacent segment of L4 -L5 : 0.356-1.493 MPa and 0.359-1.718 MPa, respectively) as degeneration of the disc progressively increased. There was no apparent regularity in facet joint force in the degenerated segment as the degree of disc degeneration increased. Nevertheless, facet joint forces in adjacent healthy segments increased as the degree of disc degeneration increased (extension: 49.7-295.3 N; lateral bending: 3.5-171.2 N; axial rotation: 140.2-258.8 N). CONCLUSION Degenerated discs caused changes in the motion and loading pattern of the degenerated segments and adjacent normal segments. The abnormal load and motion in the degenerated models risked accelerating degeneration in the adjacent normal segments. In addition, accurate simulation of degenerated facet joints is essential for predicting changes in facet joint loads following disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Cai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng-Si Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun-Peng Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Chun-Jie Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng-Fei Du
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Advanced Mechatronic System Design and Intelligent Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Education, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
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