[Calculation of the strain-deformation condition of the spinal motor segment during loading]

A mathematical model is proposed to analyze the spinal strain-deformation condition resulting from axial and lateral g-loads generated by changes in the gravity field and/or pilot's maneuvering high-performance aircraft. The solution algorithm takes into account changes in the intervertebral disk pressure and the fibrous ring shape at the time of close-to-critical g values. Calculation of the spinal strain-deformation condition was implemented by the instrumentality of computer system SPLEN (KOMMEK ltd., Russia). Analysis of the spinal strain-deformation condition was made for 2 types of external loads, i.e. normal and unilateral with a bending moment. Maximum permissible loads on a spinal segment were evaluated, as well as distribution of strain intensity, mean strains, spinal deformation and destruction field was described. The constructed computer models could be used as a basis for developing a technique of predicting characteristic spinal injuries in consequence of specific extreme loads and pathologies.