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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Mechanical role of the posterior column components in the cervical spine
Robert A Hartman1, Robert E Tisherman2, Cheng Wang3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, 3471 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
Purpose:
To quantify the mechanical role of posterior column components in human cervical spine segments.
Methods:
Twelve C6-7 segments were subjected to resection of (1) suprasinous/interspinous ligaments (SSL/ISL), (2) ligamenta flavum (LF), (3) facet capsules, and (4) facets. A robot-based testing system performed repeated flexibility testing of flexion-extension (FE), axial rotation (AR), and lateral bending (LB) to 2.5Nm and replayed kinematics from intact flexibility tests for each state. Range-of-motion, stiffness, moment resistance and resultant forces were calculated.
Results:
The LF contributes largely to moment resistance, particularly in flexion. Facet joints were primary contributors to AR and LB mechanics. Moment/force responses were more sensitive and precise than kinematic outcomes.
Conclusions:
The LF is mechanically important in the cervical spine; its injury could negatively impact load distribution. Damage to facets in a flexion injury could lead to AR or LB hypermobility. Quantifying the contribution of spinal structures to moment resistance is a sensitive, precise process for characterizing structural mechanics.
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