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Weight transmission through the sacrum in man
1Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Gujarat State, India.
Journal of Anatomy
|February 1, 1989
Summary
This study reveals how weight travels through the sacrum. Forces are transmitted via the auricular surfaces, with some load bypassing directly from the lumbar spine to the sacrum's ala.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The sacrum's role in load transmission is crucial for spinal stability.
- Understanding weight distribution within the sacrum informs orthopedic and biomechanical analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pathways and magnitude of weight transmission through various sacral components.
- To investigate the role of trabecular bone structure in load distribution.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of surface areas (sacral body, facets, auricular surfaces) in 44 adult male dry sacra.
- Examination of trabecular bone direction to infer load transmission routes.
- Analysis of sacra with anomalous articular processes.
Main Results:
- Forces at the upper sacrum transmit through auricular surfaces.
- A significant portion of the load passes from the L5 vertebra's transverse process to the sacral ala via the lumbosacral ligament.
- Trabecular bone patterns confirm distinct pathways from sacral components to the auricular surface.
- Neural arch elements play a role in load transmission, with accessory facets on the ala compensating for absent articular facets.
Conclusions:
- The auricular surfaces are primary conduits for weight transmission in the sacrum.
- The lumbosacral ligament and accessory alar facets facilitate load transfer, particularly in cases of anatomical variation.
- Trabecular architecture reflects and directs biomechanical forces within the sacrum.