title: The balance point of the intervertebral motion segment: an experimental study.
abstract: A loading or "balance" point was sought that could serve as a functional reference for mechanically testing spinal motion segments. This point is located above the in-vitro motion segment where, when an axial compressive load is applied, the segment exhibits minimal coupled rotation. The balance point is a reliable indicator of the mechanical characteristics of the segment. Segments exhibited increasing rotation as axial compressive loads were applied further and further away from the balance point. The location of the balance point was significantly affected by sustained static or cyclic flexion-compression loading and by brief flexion-compression overloads.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Wilder
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Pope
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Seroussi
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dimnet
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Krag
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement; D010827:Physiology / Q000295:instrumentation