scholarly journals A Novel Application of Head Tracking Data in the Analysis and Assessment of Operational Cervical Spine Range of Motion for Army Aviators

2021 ◽  
Vol 186 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 645-650
Author(s):  
Steven T Williams ◽  
Adrienne M Madison ◽  
Frederick T Brozoski ◽  
Valeta Carol Chancey

ABSTRACT Introduction Neck pain among rotary-wing aviators has been established as an important issue in the military community, yet no U.S. Army regulation defines exactly what cervical spine range of motion (CROM) is adequate for flight. This lack of regulation leaves flight surgeons to subjectively determine whether an aviator affected by limited CROM is fit to maintain flight status. The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory is conducting a study among AH-64 and UH-60 pilots to define CROM requirements in simulated and actual flight using optical head tracking equipment. Presented here is a preliminary analysis of head position data from a pilot and co-pilot in two AH-64 missions. Methods Maintenance data recorder (MDR) files from two AH-64 missions were provided by the Apache Attack Helicopter Project Management Office. Data were filtered down to three-dimensional pilot and co-pilot head position data and each data point was analyzed to determine neck posture. These neck postures were then categorized as neutral, mild, and severe for flexion/extension, lateral bending, and twist rotation postural categories. Results Twist rotation postures reached 90 degrees, particularly early in the flight; additionally, a few instances of 90-degree lateral bends were observed. Co-pilots spent more time than pilots in mild and severe twist rotation posture for both flights. Co-pilots also spend a high percentage of time in mild flexion and twist rotation. Conclusion This investigation provides a proof of concept for analysis of head tracking data from MDR files as a surrogate measure of neck posture in order to estimate CROM requirements in rotary-wing military flight missions. Future studies will analyze differences in day and night flights, pilot versus co-pilot CROM, and neck movement frequency.

Author(s):  
William J. Anderst ◽  
Michelle Schafman ◽  
William F. Donaldson ◽  
Joon Y. Lee ◽  
James D. Kang

Static flexion-extension x-rays are the most common clinical tool used to assess abnormal motion of the cervical spine. Despite their widespread use (over 168,000 cases per year), the clinical efficacy of flexion-extension radiographs of the cervical spine has yet to be proven1. Limitations of static flexion-extension x-rays include data collection during static positions that may not accurately represent dynamic behavior, and the fact that data is collected at end range of motion positions, not in more frequently encountered mid-range positions. Consequently, static x-rays may not reveal movement abnormalities that occur during activities of daily living and lead to pain and degeneration. Therefore, it may be advantageous to analyze cervical spine kinematic data collected during dynamic, functional movements performed through an entire range of motion (not just the endpoints). Furthermore, the literature confirms there is substantial variability in “normal” range of motion and translation during flexion-extension1, making it difficult to reliably identify abnormal motion. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to evaluate alternative motion parameters that may reliably identify abnormal motion.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Guk Kim ◽  
Sung Hwan Bang ◽  
Gu Hyun Kang ◽  
Yong Soo Jang ◽  
Wonhee Kim ◽  
...  

Background: The cervical collar has been used as a common device for the initial stabilization of the cervical spine. Although many cervical collars are commercially available, there is no consensus on which offers the greatest protection, with studies showing considerable variations in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. The use of the XCollar (Emegear, Carpinteria, CA) has been known to decrease the risk of spinal cord injury by minimizing potential cervical spinal distraction. We compared XCollar with two other cervical collars commonly used for adult patients with cervical spine injury to evaluate the difference in effectiveness between the three cervical collars to restrict cervical range of motion. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between the three cervical collars in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. Method: A total of 30 healthy university students aged 21–25 years participated in this study. Participants with any cervical disease and symptoms were excluded. Three cervical collars were tested: Philadelphia® Collar, Stifneck® Select™ Collar, and XCollar. A digital camera and an image-analysis technique were used to evaluate cervical range of motion during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. Cervical range of motion was evaluated in both the unbraced and braced condition. Results: XCollar permitted less than a mean of 10° of movement during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. This was less than the movement permitted by the other two cervical collars. Conclusion: XCollar presented superior cervical immobilization compared to the other two commonly used cervical collars in this study. Thus, when cervical collar is considered for an adult patient with cervical spine injury, XCollar might be one of the considerate options as a cervical immobilization device.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-105
Author(s):  
Aiman Asyraf Ahmad Sukari ◽  
Sarwinder Singh ◽  
Muhammad Hafiz Bohari ◽  
Zamzuri Idris ◽  
Abdul Rahman Izaini Ghani ◽  
...  

Background: This paper outlines a summary of examination technique to identify the range of movement of the cervical spine. Due to common difficulties in obtaining tools for cervical examination within the district, a standardised compilation of easy-to-replicate examination techniques are provided using different tools. Methods: Bedside instruments that can be used includes a measuring tape, compass, goniometer, inclinometer and cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument. Discussion: Cervical flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation will be assessed with bedside instruments. This would aid in increasing accuracy and precision of objective measurement while conducting clinical examination to determine the cervical range of motion.


2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Yu ◽  
Haiqing Mao ◽  
Jing-Sheng Li ◽  
Tsung-Yuan Tsai ◽  
Liming Cheng ◽  
...  

While abnormal loading is widely believed to cause cervical spine disc diseases, in vivo cervical disc deformation during dynamic neck motion has not been well delineated. This study investigated the range of cervical disc deformation during an in vivo functional flexion–extension of the neck. Ten asymptomatic human subjects were tested using a combined dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based three-dimensional (3D) modeling technique. Overall disc deformation was determined using the changes of the space geometry between upper and lower endplates of each intervertebral segment (C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, and C6/7). Five points (anterior, center, posterior, left, and right) of each disc were analyzed to examine the disc deformation distributions. The data indicated that between the functional maximum flexion and extension of the neck, the anterior points of the discs experienced large changes of distraction/compression deformation and shear deformation. The higher level discs experienced higher ranges of disc deformation. No significant difference was found in deformation ranges at posterior points of all the discs. The data indicated that the range of disc deformation is disc level dependent and the anterior region experienced larger changes of deformation than the center and posterior regions, except for the C6/7 disc. The data obtained from this study could serve as baseline knowledge for the understanding of the cervical spine disc biomechanics and for investigation of the biomechanical etiology of disc diseases. These data could also provide insights for development of motion preservation surgeries for cervical spine.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (06) ◽  
pp. 430-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja Bösch ◽  
Martin Hofstetter ◽  
Alexander Bürki ◽  
Beatriz Vidondo ◽  
Fenella Davies ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To study the biomechanical effect of facetectomy in 10 large breed dogs (>24 kg body weight) on the fourth canine cervical functional spinal unit. Methods Canine cervical spines were freed from all muscles. Spines were mounted on a six-degrees-of-freedom spine testing machine for three-dimensional motion analysis. Data were recorded with an optoelectronic motion analysis system. The range of motion wasdetermined inall threeprimary motionsaswellasrange of motion of coupled motions on the intact specimen, after unilateral and after bilateral facetectomy. Repeated-measures analysis of variance models were used to assess the changes of the biomechanical properties in the three treatment groups considered. Results Facetectomy increased range of motion of primary motions in all directions. Axial rotation was significantly influenced by facetectomy. Coupled motion was not influenced by facetectomy except for lateral bending with coupled motion axial rotation. The coupling factor (coupled motion/primary motion) decreased after facetectomy. Symmetry of motion was influenced by facetectomy in flexion–extension and axial rotation, but not in lateral bending. Clinical Significance Facet joints play a significant role in the stability of the cervical spine and act to maintain spatial integrity. Therefore, cervical spinal treatments requiring a facetectomy should be carefully planned and if an excessive increase in range of motion is expected, complications should be anticipated and reduced via spinal stabilization.


Author(s):  
N. Bahramshahi ◽  
H. Ghaemi ◽  
K. Behdinan

The objective of this investigation is to develop a detailed, non-linear asymmetric three-dimensional anatomically and mechanically accurate FE model of complete middle cervical spine (C3-C5) using Hypermesh and MSC.Marc software. To achieve this goal, the components of the cervical spine are modeled using 20-noded hexagonal elements. The model includes the intervertebral disc, cortical bone, cancellous bone, endplates, and ligaments. The structure and dimensions of each spinal component are compared with experimentally measured values. In addition, the soil mechanics formulation of MSC.Marc finite element software is applied to model the mechanical behaviour of vertebrae and intervertebral discs as linear isotropic two-phase (biphasic) material. The FE simulation is conducted to investigate compression, flexion\extension and right\Left lateral bending modes. The simulation results are validated and compared closely with the published experimental data and the existing FE models. In general, results show greater flexibility in flexion and less flexibility in extension. The flexion/extension curves are asymmetric with a greater magnitude in flexion than in extension. In addition, the variations of the predicted lateral C4-C5 disc bulge are investigated and the results show that the maximum disc bulge occurs at the C4-C5 anterior location.


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