THE PATHOMECHANICS OF COMPRESSION INJURIES IN THE CERVICAL-SPINE - NONDESTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE INVESTIGATIVE METHODS

Biomechanical analysis using nondestructive and destructive investigat ive methods was performed to evaluate the mechanisms of cervical compr ession injuries. These injuries produce two basic modes of failure: 1) anterior dislocation; and 2) rupture of the anterior ligamentous comp lex of the vertebral body. Distribution of these two failure patterns was determined by the initial cervical spine position; translational a lignment did not have a significant effect. Different results were obs erved between spines positioned in flexion and extension, indicating t hat the most important factor determining the mode of failure was rota tional alignment in the sagittal plane.