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Cervical coupling during lateral head translations creates an S-configuration.
D E Harrison1, D D Harrison, R Cailliet
1tjanik@caci.com
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Lateral head translation creates an S-shaped cervical spine, with significant lateral bending changing direction at C4-C5. This finding is relevant for understanding side impact trauma and cervical spine mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Spinal Kinematics
- Radiographic Analysis
Background:
- Lateral head translation is a common clinical posture.
- Cervical spine coupling patterns and range of motion for this movement are not well-documented.
- Understanding these mechanics is crucial for injury assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cervical spinal coupling during lateral head translation.
- To analyze the resulting spinal configuration relative to a fixed thoracic cage.
Main Methods:
- 20 volunteers underwent anteroposterior cervical radiography in neutral and lateral translation postures.
- Radiographs were digitized to measure vertebral rotation and lateral translation from C3-T4.
- Orthogonal axes were used to define segmental movements.
Main Results:
- Mean lateral head translation was 51 mm.
- The primary coupled motion was lateral bending, forming an S-shape due to a direction change at C4-C5.
- Upper cervical (C3-C4) lateral bending was contralateral; lower cervical/upper thoracic was ipsilateral.
Conclusions:
- Lateral head translation induces significant cervical spine deformation, characterized by an S-configuration.
- These findings have potential implications for understanding injuries in side impact events.
- Segmental movements other than lateral bending were minimal.