查看文章

Object. The authors conducted a study to assess the effects of cervical posture on the loadbearing ability of the cervical spine.

Methods. Twelve cervical spine specimens obtained in 12 adult sheep were tested. The specimens were randomly separated into two groups. In Group I the specimens were fixed in a lordotic posture, and in Group II they were fixed in a straight posture. Axial compressive loads were applied at a constant rate of 5 cm/minute. Load-to-failure, time-to-failure, piston displacement at failure, and failure modes were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to detect differences between the groups.

There was no significant difference in load-to-failure values between the two groups. However, the time-to-failure and the piston displacement values for the straight spines were significantly less than those for the lordotic spines. Additionally, the …