The human spine is a three-dimensional complex structure and so are the problems associated with it. Researchers have directed their efforts, both clinically and biomechanically to understand the behavior of the normal and abnormal spine. Our basic hypothesis is that the whole lumbar vertebral column behaves differently than an isolated motion segment. Our second hypothesis is that degeneration and/or injury and subsequent stabilization of the intevertebral join affects the motion behavior of the neighboring joints. These abnormalities ultimately lead to some malfunction and/or pain. Although the biomechanical response (or behavior) of the various spinal components, such as vertebrae, discs, facets, etc., have been investigated, the response of ligaments to normal and changed motion patterns is not very clear. The present In Vitro study proposes to investigate in situ strains in the normal, degenerated, injured and stabilized specimen subjected to clinically relevant loads. Specifically, we propose to study the biomechanical behavior of spinal ligaments after 3 clinical procedures: (a) disc prolapse; (b) ligamentous injury; and (c) laminectomy and stabilization at one level, e.g., L4-L5 or L3-L4. For this purpose the three-dimensional motion (load-displacement) behavior of each vertebra of the lumbar spinal segment (L1-S1) would be obtained through the stereophotogrammertric technique. The points of insertion of ligaments (morphology) would be determined through a specially designed digitizer (morphometer). The principles of rigid body kinematies would be utilized to combine the load-displacement data and morphological data to yield in situ ligamentous strains. It is anticipated that this proposal will result in more knowledge and a better understanding of the relationship between injury, degeneration and stabilization of the spine and its motion pattern. Any changes in the motion behavior would alter the strains in ligaments. The latter aspect may induce biomechanical changes leading to malfunction. This proposal would also provide basic data concerning ligamentous strains. Since ligaments contain nociceptors, this knowledge may be useful in low back pain research.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIADDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AM032954-03
Application #
3152666
Study Section
Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Study Section (ORTH)
Project Start
1983-04-01
Project End
1986-06-30
Budget Start
1985-04-01
Budget End
1986-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Iowa
Department
Type
DUNS #
041294109
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52242
Goel, V K; Clark, C R; Harris, K G et al. (1989) Evaluation of effectiveness of a facet wiring technique: an in vitro biomechanical investigation. Ann Biomed Eng 17:115-26
Goel, V K; Voo, L M; Weinstein, J N et al. (1988) Response of the ligamentous lumbar spine to cyclic bending loads. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 13:294-300
Goel, V K; Clark, C R; Harris, K G et al. (1988) Kinematics of the cervical spine: effects of multiple total laminectomy and facet wiring. J Orthop Res 6:611-9
Goel, V K; Kim, Y E; Lim, T H et al. (1988) An analytical investigation of the mechanics of spinal instrumentation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 13:1003-11
Goel, V K; Nye, T A; Clark, C R et al. (1987) A technique to evaluate an internal spinal device by use of the Selspot system: an application to Luque closed loop. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 12:150-9
Goel, V K (1987) Three-dimensional motion behavior of the human spine--a question of terminology. J Biomech Eng 109:353-5
Goel, V K; Nishiyama, K; Weinstein, J N et al. (1986) Mechanical properties of lumbar spinal motion segments as affected by partial disc removal. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 11:1008-12
Bass, P; Fox, D A; Epstein, M L (1985) Ablation of myenteric neurons by chemicals with surfactant properties. Nippon Heikatsukin Gakkai Zasshi 21 Suppl:67-8
Goel, V K; Goyal, S; Clark, C et al. (1985) Kinematics of the whole lumbar spine. Effect of discectomy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 10:543-54
Liu, Y K; Goel, V K; Dejong, A et al. (1985) Torsional fatigue of the lumbar intervertebral joints. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 10:894-900

Showing the most recent 10 out of 11 publications