STENOTIC CERVICAL SPINAL CORD AND COLUMN RESPONSES UNDER WHIPLASH USING A FINITE ELEMENT MODEL

Numerous finite element models of the cervical spine have been developed to study the biomechanics of the osteoligamentous column such as range of motion and vertebral stress; however, the spinal cord is often ignored. Spine degeneration is often attributed to the ageing process. It may lead to stenotic spines that concern clinicians and patients because of the decreased space in the canal and potential for elevated risk of cord and/or column injuries. Using a validated model of the subaxial spinal column, spinal cord was included, and different degrees of stenosis (mild, moderate, and severe) identified in the civilian populations were parametrized. Stenosis was simulated at the most common, C5-C6 level, seen in patients. The column-cord model was subjected to postero-anterior acceleration at the base of the T1 vertebra. Range of motion, disc pressure, and stress and strain within the spinal cord were obtained at the index and superior and inferior adjacent levels of the column and cord. The external metric representing the segmental range of motion were found to be insensitive while intrinsic disc and cord variables were more sensitive, and index level was more affected by stenosis. These findings may influence surgical planning and patient education in personalized medicine.