Dynamic Response of Vertebral Elements Related to USAF Injury

Abstract

Test specimens obtained from fresh-frozen Rhesus vertebral columns are used to determine that shear load distribution and stress-strain characteristics of the facets relative to the soft tissue. The specimens consist of two vertebrae and the intervening disc with the longitudinal ligaments intact. Results of the initial tests show that at the onset of shear stress, the facets sustain from 60 percent to 80 percent of the load; with increasing shear force the fraction of the load carried by the disc and ligaments increases to 50-60 percent. Failure of the facets resulted from bilateral fracture of the inferior facets at the margin. Without facets, failure typically occurs due to separation of the end plates from the vertebral body. The tests indicate that failure sequence progresses through (a) facet fracture, (b) end plate separation, and (c) tearing of ligaments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA059489

Entities

People

  • J. F. Lafferty

Organizations

  • University of Kentucky

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Cartilage
  • Contracts
  • Dynamic Response
  • Kentucky
  • Load Distribution
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Rhesus Monkeys
  • Shear Stresses
  • Soft Tissues
  • Spinal Column
  • Spine
  • Stresses
  • Tissues

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.