Injuries in adolescent spine exposed to compressive loads: an experimental cadaveric study.
In a cadaveric experiment, 16 functional spinal units (FSUs) obtained from 7 subjects with a mean age of 16.3 years were tested in compression to failure. The deformation rate was 5 mm/min. The bone mineral content (BMC) in the vertebrae was determined by using dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA). In 15 of the FSUs, traumatic changes were registered. Three different types of changes were seen. In nine vertebrae, there was a rupture in the cartilaginous end plate, in 12, a separation of the end plate from the vertebral body, and in three vertebrae, a compression fracture was registered. A close relation was found between BMC and the ultimate force (r2 = 0.63), the ultimate displacement (r2 = 0.73), and the energy absorption (r2 = 0.74). The weakest part of a spinal segment in this experimental situation is the growth plate.
Karlsson
L
L
Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Lundin
O
O
Ekström
L
L
Hansson
T
T
Swärd
L
L
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D015519:Bone Density; D002102:Cadaver; D019245:Compressive Strength; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology