• Robert A Hartman, Robert E Tisherman, Cheng Wang, Kevin M Bell, Joon Y Lee, Gwendolyn A Sowa, and James D Kang.
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, 3471 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
• Eur Spine J. 2016 Jul 1; 25 (7): 2129-38.

PurposeTo quantify the mechanical role of posterior column components in human cervical spine segments.MethodsTwelve 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThe 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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