Biomechanical properties and measurement advances in spinal cord research
10.3760/cma.j.cn121113-20230605-00317
- VernacularTitle:脊髓的生物力学特性及测量的研究进展
- Author:
Jibin MA
1
;
Mingyong GU
;
Jun MIAO
Author Information
1. 山西省长治市第二人民医院骨科，长治 046000
- Keywords:
Spinal cord;
Biomechanical phenomena;
Arachnoid;
Elasticity imaging techniques;
Spinal cord injuries;
Finite element analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2023;43(20):1395-1401
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The spinal cord, encompassed by the dura mater, arachnoid membrane, pia mater, dentate ligament, and cerebrospinal fluid, consists of both gray and white matter. This study delves into the biomechanical properties of the spinal cord and its adjacent structures, revealing its nature as a nonlinear viscoelastic medium. Notably, both gray and white matter exhibit hyperelastic characteristics, displaying distinct mechanical responses during uniaxial tensile and mechanical compression experiments. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the human spinal cord does not maintain uniform length, while the dura mater exhibits pronounced anisotropy, with its elastic modulus gradually decreasing from the cervical to the lumbar region. While research on the biomechanical behavior of the arachnoid membrane is limited, its potential to enhance predictive accuracy in spinal finite element models is evident. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documented studies exploring the biomechanics of the human pia mater. Crucially, the spinal cord is immersed in cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion against spinal cord vibrations. Therefore, the significance of cerebrospinal fluid should not be underestimated in examining the biomechanical dynamics of the spinal cord, as changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure correspondingly affect spinal cord stress levels. Additionally, the strength of the dentate ligament decreases progressively from superior to inferior regions. Due to the inherent softness of spinal cord tissue, it often undergoes complex mechanical alterations such as stretching, compression, and torsion when subjected to injury. Various measurement techniques, including magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), atomic force microscopy, microindentation, and myelography, are employed for spinal cord assessment. MRE, in particular, offers distinct advantages in scrutinizing spinal cord morphology. Accurately quantifying the mechanical parameters of spinal cord deformation injuries remains a challenge. Advanced imaging technologies are employed to monitor the dynamic pathological transformations of the spinal cord, providing valuable insights for clinical prevention and treatment strategies. Finite element analysis plays a pivotal role in the study of spinal cord injuries. However, existing modeling methodologies often oversimplify the spinal cord, portraying it as a homogenous material. Further experimental validation is required to confirm its accuracy. An exhaustive exploration of spinal cord biomechanics and measurement techniques is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying spinal cord injuries. This knowledge can serve as crucial theoretical guidance and support for the treatment and prevention of such injuries.
