P. Devin Leahy, Christian M. Puttlitz


January 2016, Volume 25, Issue 1, pp 122 - 126 Original Article Read Full Article 10.1007/s00586-015-4110-z

First Online: 11 July 2015

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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