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There is an increasing need to accurately define the soft tissue components of the human cervical spine in order to develop and exercise mathematical analogs such as the finite element model. Currently, a paucity of data exists in the literature and researchers have constantly underscored the need to obtain accurate data on cervical spine ligaments. Consequently, the objective of the study was to determine the geometrical and biomechanical properties of these ligaments from the axis to the first thoracic level. A total of thirty-three human cadavers were used in the study. Geometrical data included the length and cross-sectional area measurements; and the biomechanical properties included the force, deflection, stiffness, energy, stress, strain, and Young's modulus of elasticity data. Data were obtained for the following ligaments: anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, joint capsules, ligamentum flavum, and interspinous ligament.

The patho-anatomic alterations due to vertical loading of the human cervical column were documented and correlated with biomechanical kinematic data. Seven fresh human cadaveric head-neck complexes were prepared, and six-axis load cells were placed at the proximal and distal ends of the specimens to document the gross biomechanical response. Retroreflective markers were placed on bony landmarks of vertebral bodies, articular facets, and spinous processes along the entire cervical column. Targets were also placed on the occiput and arch of C1. The localized movements of these markers were recorded using a video analyzer during the entire loading cycle. Pre-test two-dimensional, and three-dimensional computerized tomography (CT), and plane radiographs were taken. The specimens were loaded to failure using an electrohydraulic testing device at a rate of 2 mm/s.

The objective of this study was to determine region-specific deflection responses of the WorldSID and ES2-re devices under pure lateral and oblique side impact loading. A modular, anthropometry-specific load wall was used. It consisted of the Shoulder, Thorax, Abdomen, superior Pelvis, and inferior Pelvis plates, termed the STAPP load wall design. The two devices were positioned upright on the platform of a bench seat, and sled tests were conducted at 3.4, 6.7, and 7.5 m/s. Two chestbands were used on each dummy at the thoracic and abdominal regions. Internal sensors were also used. Effective peak deflections were obtained from the chestband contours. Based on the preselected lateral-most point/location on the pretest contour, “internal sensor-type” peak deflections were also obtained using chestband contours. In addition, peak deflection data were obtained from internal sensor records.