Background

Understanding the kinematics of the spine in the interaction with an implanted device is of utmost importance from a clinical point of view. The characterization of the biomechanical movement of the spine occurring at each functional unit is a difficult task as it involves the measurement of complex patterns of motion while identifying more delicate abnormalities that could result in longer-term disease complications.

Center of rotation is a biomechanical parameter that represents the ratio between rotation and translation. It has been recognized as a valid and reliable parameter to identify any delicate abnormal movement of the spine as opposed to the range of motion. However, center of rotation is still not widely used in clinical practice.

Methods

In this study, an algorithm intended to easily identify an imbalanced spine through the center of rotation calculation and a new parameter called distance to the ellipse is presented. In this new approach the distance to the ellipse is a key parameter which represents the distance of the center of rotation lying outside the ellipse that represents the asymptomatic group, from the ellipse itself.

Findings

The presented algorithm allows the comparison of pre-op and post-op outcomes, and the rapid identification of cases needing more attention.

Interpretation

When a comprehensive analysis is required, a dashboard is provided with detailed information for each functional spine unit at each follow-up appointment. It is found that the new approach has the potential to become a new methodology in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence: Biomechanical Study.

中文翻译：

---

评估颈椎活体运动质量的新方法

背景

从临床角度看，在与植入式器械的相互作用中了解脊柱的运动学至关重要。表征每个功能单元处脊柱的生物力学运动是一项艰巨的任务，因为它涉及复杂运动模式的测量，同时还要识别可能导致长期疾病并发症的更精细的异常情况。

旋转中心是一个生物力学参数，代表旋转和平移之间的比率。识别脊柱任何细微的异常运动（与运动范围相反）是公认的有效和可靠的参数。但是，旋转中心在临床实践中仍未广泛使用。

方法

在这项研究中，提出了一种旨在通过旋转中心计算轻松识别脊椎不平衡的算法，并提出了一个新的参数，称为到椭圆的距离。在这种新方法中，到椭圆的距离是一个关键参数，它代表位于椭圆外部（代表无症状组）的旋转中心到椭圆本身的距离。

发现

提出的算法可以比较手术前和手术后的结果，并快速识别需要更多注意的病例。

解释

当需要进行全面分析时，将在每次随访时为仪表板提供每个功能性脊柱单元的详细信息。发现新方法有可能成为临床实践中的新方法。

证据级别：生物力学研究。