BIOMECHANICAL PARAMETERS IN DIAGNOSIS AND PREOPERATIVE PLANNING OF SURGERY FOR CERVICAL SPINE INJURY

Abstract

To develop a new technique of quantitative assessment of cervical spine deformation in a sagittal plane and, on its basis, a computer method of C2-C7 injury diagnosis, as well as a technique of preoperative calculation of an implant size for total correction of deformation.

Spine kinematic analysis, developed by authors, was used for unbiased characterization of the cervical spine shape and orientation in a sagittal plane. To create a normative database 40 individuals (age range 20-22 years) without any spine pathology were examined. After statistical data processing the formalized characteristics of the normal spine shape and orientation in a sagittal plane and confidence interval limits were obtained. Kinematic analysis of the injured cervical spine in a sagittal plane was the basis for the development of formalised criteria to assess various cervical spine pathologies with biomechanical parameters. Obtained data were used to develop diagnosis codes and computer diagnostic program of «lockand- key» type. Diagnosis code is formed automatically during computer processing of parameters of the spine shape and orientation in a sagittal plane. The method of preoperative calculation of transplant (implant) length is presented which allows achieving a planned kyphosis correction in the cervical spine. The transplant (implant) length is calculated by assessment of positional relationship of the lower end plate of the superior vertebra and of the upper end plate of the inferior vertebra. The application of techniques in 158 patients treated for various uncomplicated cervical spine injuries produced good results.