title: Verification of pure moment testing in a multi-degree of freedom spine testing apparatus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pure moment testing is a common method used in cadaveric spine testing. The fundamental basis for the widespread acceptance of applying a pure moment is uniform loading along the column of the spine. To our knowledge, this protocol has not been experimentally verified on a multi-degree of freedom testing apparatus. Given its ubiquitous use in spine biomechanics laboratories, confirmation of this comparative cadaveric test protocol is paramount.
  
  
  METHODS
  Group A specimens (n =13) were used to test the pure moment protocol, by use of 3 constructs that changed the number of involved vertebrae, orientation, and rigidity of the spine construct. Group B specimens (n = 6) were used to determine whether potting orientation, testing order, or degradation affected the range of motion (ROM) by use of 8 constructs. Each group was subjected to 3 cycles of flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial torsion. The data from the third cycle were used to calculate the ROM for each method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group A testing resulted in significant differences in ROM across the 3 constructs for lateral bending and axial torsion (P < .02) and trended toward a difference for flexion-extension (P = .055). Group B testing showed an increase in ROM across 8 constructs (P < .04) but no significant difference due to the orientation change.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increased ROM across constructs observed in both groups indicates that the cause is likely the testing order or degradation of the specimens, with orientation having no observed effect. The data do not invalidate pure moment testing, and its use should persist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fuller
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Chui
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Matthew S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Yeager
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gladowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA ; Department of Neurosurgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Boyle C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Cheng
keywords: Lumbar spine; Pure moment testing; Spine biomechanics; Tissue degradation