Establishment and analysis of a three-dimensional finite element model of atlantoaxial dislocation

English Keywords:Atlantoaxial dislocation  Finite element  Biomechanics

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objective：To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of atlantoaxial dislocation and evaluate its feasibility in clinical practice.Method：Based on a finite element model of a normal upper cervical spine，a finite element model of atlantoaxial anterior displacement due to C1 transverse ligament rupture with no fracture was developed according to a clinical case.The range of motion under flexion-extension,lateral bending and axial rotation were measured and analyzed in the normal and abnormal model.Result：The finite element model of atlantoaxial anterior dislocation with transverse atlantal ligament failure with no odontoid fracture had the same similarity and profile as the clinical case.The range of motion under each movement in abnormal model was larger than in the normal model，especially in flexion and extension movement which increased by 17.8° and 13.7° respectively.Conclusion：The finite element model can be used to simulate the biomechanics of atlantoaxial dislocation with transverse atlantal ligament rupture with no odontoid fracture，which is helpful to determine the treating strategy.