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At least 577 records · Page 32Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Determination of axial rotation angles of limb segments - a new method.

This paper describes a new method of determining the axial rotation angle of a limb segment during three-dimensional movement. Instead of describing the three-dimensional rotation by a three-step rotation (Euler/Cardan angles), a one-step rotation (instantaneous screw axis), or a non-step rotation (floating axis method), the new method uses a two-step rotation to describe the three-dimensional rotation of the limb segment: the rotation of the long axis of the limb segment about a specific axis passing through the proximal joint centre and perpendicular to the long axis of the limb segment, and the axial rotation about the long axis. A short review of previous methods followed by a full description of the principle of the new method with detailed derivation of some important equations (Appendices), comparison with Euler/Cardan angles and a simple experimental demonstration are given in this paper. A method of solving the gimbal-lock problem when using this method is also proposed.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Postoperative intraocular lens rotation: a randomized comparison of plate and loop haptic implants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative rotation of plate and loop haptic implants of spherical power to ascertain the optimal design appropriate for toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight patients attending for routine cataract surgery by phacoemulsification. METHOD: Patients with cataract as the only ocular disease were randomly implanted with plate or loop haptic implants after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. The baseline position of the IOL was determined from a video frame acquired at the conclusion of surgery. Postoperative IOL position was documented using digital retroillumination images at 2 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Capsular fusion patterns were recorded using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Correlation of IOL rotation with axial length, capsular contraction, and fusion was attempted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early IOL rotation, occurring between surgery and 2 weeks after surgery, was graded as mild (<10 degrees), moderate (10 degrees < to <30 degrees), or severe (>30 degrees) by a semiobjective online comparison of the images. Late IOL rotation, occurring between 2 weeks and 6 months, was measured more precisely using software developed specifically for the study. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were allocated the loop haptic and 25 the plate haptic IOL. The groups were comparable for demographic variables and numbers of patients excluded from analysis (P > 0.05). Five (24%) of 21 of plate haptic IOLs underwent severe early rotation compared to 2 (9%) of 22 loop haptics (P = 0.36). The median late rotation was 6.8 degrees for loop haptics compared to 0.6 degrees for plate haptics (P = 0.0073). Between 2 weeks and 6 months, anticlockwise rotation had occurred in 16 (89%) of 18 loop haptic IOLs compared to 11 (52%) of 21 plate haptic IOLs (P = 0.0081). CONCLUSIONS: Plate haptic IOLs show greater rotational stability than do loop haptics made from polypropylene once capsular fusion has taken place. Loop haptics invariably rotate anticlockwise after 2 weeks.

Capsulorhexis↗
PubMed1991

Participation of the area postrema in learned aversions induced by body rotation.

Existing data on the effects of area postrema (AP) lesions on body rotation-induced emesis as well as on the participation of this zone in the acquisition of taste aversion learning (TAL) with other emetic agents suggest a possible role for the AP in learned aversions induced by body rotation. Nevertheless, earlier studies have shown that AP lesions do not prevent learned aversions induced by body rotation. The present experiments were performed in male Wistar rats in order to explore the effects of AP lesions on body rotation-induced flavor aversions as a function of the paradigm employed. Flavor aversions were induced by 30 min of circular body rotation (90 r.p.m.) using two different paradigms: a standard one including one trial learning, delay and single stimulus test and a three trials paradigm (with and without interstimulus delay) including both single stimulus test and choice test. AP lesions disrupt acquisition provided that the paradigm used includes interstimulus delay, i.e. when body rotation is applied 15 min after flavor intake. However, the AP seems to play no essential role when body rotation is applied immediately after flavor intake in a three-trial paradigm, as no effects were observed following AP lesions. In addition, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy plus simultaneous AP lesions leads to no interference in the acquisition of learned aversions induced by body rotation applied immediately after intake. It is concluded that body rotation may trigger a variety of aversive effects capable of inducing learned aversions, each apparently involving independent neural systems.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Elbow load during pushup at various forearm rotations.

OBJECTIVE: Elbow joint loading was evaluated during pushup exercises at various forearm rotations. DESIGN: Subjects were asked to perform pushup in various forearm rotations: neutral, 90 degrees internal rotation, and 90 degrees external rotation. BACKGROUND: Training with pushup exercise is good for the muscles and joints of the upper extremities. However, excessive shear forces on the elbow might lead to injuries to either normal trainees or to handicapped people, especially for those who rely on elbow prosthesis. METHODS: The kinematics and kinetics of the elbow joint were investigated under various forearm rotations. RESULTS: The loading biomechanics of the elbow joint differed with various forearm rotations. It was noted that greater posterior and varus forces of the elbow are encountered with internal rotation of the hand position and, consequently, full forearm pronation. CONCLUSIONS: Pushup with hands in internally rotated position should be prevented so as to avoid excessive shear forces or moments. RELEVANCE: Knowledge of elbow kinematics and kinetics may be helpful in preventing injuries by reducing the elbow shear force with changes of forearm rotation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

External rotation in the glenohumeral joint during elevation of the arm.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patterns of external rotation during humeral elevation, and to compare motion patterns.Design. Patterns of external rotation during forward flexion, scapular abduction and abduction in the frontal plane are described with P-spline curves with an approximately 95% confidence interval. BACKGROUND: External rotation of the humerus is an essential part of humeral elevation. Standard clinical assessment of external rotation provides insufficient information to describe external rotation patterns which may be essential for insight in shoulder disorders.Methods. The dominant and non-dominant arms of thirty subjects are measured, using a three-dimensional electromagnetic movement recording system. RESULTS: Overall group patterns demonstrate that humeral elevation in all planes is accompanied by about 55 degrees of external rotation, and each elevation plane has its own typical pattern. The dominant and non-dominant sides are comparable and can be combined. CONCLUSIONS: There are specific external rotation patterns for each elevation plane. Curves representing the approximately 95% confidence intervals make comparison between groups possible. This method can therefore possibly be used to study the external rotation patterns in groups with certain shoulder disorders to evaluate the results of before and after treatment. RELEVANCE: The method presented in this paper can be used to study external rotation patterns in healthy shoulders and in shoulders with a specific disorders to gain more insight, to define functional treatment, and to evaluate the results of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Functional roles of abdominal and back muscles during isometric axial rotation of the trunk.

Electromyographic (EMG) studies have shown that a large number of trunk muscles are recruited during axial rotation. The functional roles of these trunk muscles in axial rotation are multiple and have not been well investigated. In addition, there is no information on the coupling torque at different exertion levels during axial rotation. The aim of the study was to investigate the functional roles of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis lumborum and multifidus during isometric right and left axial rotation at 100%, 70%, 50% and 30% maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) in a standing position. The coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were measured during axial rotation to examine the coupling nature of torque at different levels of exertions. Results showed that the coupled sagittal torque switches from nil to flexion at maximum exertion of axial rotation. Generally, higher EMG activities were shown at higher exertion levels for all the trunk muscles. Significant differences in activity between the right and left axial rotation exertions were demonstrated in external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi and iliocostalis lumborum while no difference was shown in rectus abdominis and multifidus. These results demonstrated the different functional roles of trunk muscles during axial rotation. This is important considering that the abdominal and back muscles not only produce torque but also maintain the spinal posture and stability during axial rotation exertions. The changing coupling torque direction in the sagittal plane when submaximal to maximal exertions were compared may indicate the complex nature of the kinetic coupling of trunk muscles.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Contribution of the passive properties of the rotator cuff to glenohumeral stability during anterior-posterior loading.

The passive properties of the rotator cuff have been shown to provide some stability during anterior-posterior (AP) translation. However, the relative importance of the rotator cuff to joint stability remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify the force contributions of the rotator cuff and of capsuloligamentous structures at the glenohumeral joint during AP loading. We hypothesized that the rotator cuff acts as a significant passive stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint and that its contribution to joint stability is comparable to the contribution made by the components of the glenohumeral capsule. A robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system was used to determine both the multiple "degrees of freedom" joint motion and the in situ force carried by each soft tissue structure during application of an 89N AP load at 4 abduction angles. The percent contribution of the rotator cuff to the resisting force of the intact joint during AP loading was significantly greater during posterior loading (35% +/- 26%) than during anterior loading at 60 degrees of abduction (P < .05). The contribution of the rotator cuff (i.e., 29% +/- 16% at 30 degrees of abduction) was found to be significantly greater than the contributions of the capsule components during posterior loading at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of abduction (P < .05). However, no differences could be found between the respective contributions of the rotator cuff and the capsule components during anterior loading. The results support our hypothesis and suggest that passive tension in the rotator cuff plays a more significant role than other soft tissue structures in resisting posterior loads at the glenohumeral joint. The important role of the rotator cuff during posterior loading may be a result of the thin posterior joint capsule compared with the anterior capsule, which has several thickenings. This information increases our understanding of posterior stability at the glenohumeral joint during clinical laxity tests.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2006

Microsecond time scale rotation measurements of single F1-ATPase molecules.

A novel method for detecting F(1)-ATPase rotation in a manner sufficiently sensitive to achieve acquisition rates with a time resolution of 2.5 micros (equivalent to 400,000 fps) is reported. This is sufficient for resolving the rate at which the gamma-subunit travels from one dwell state to another (transition time). Rotation is detected via a gold nanorod attached to the rotating gamma-subunit of an immobilized F(1)-ATPase. Variations in scattered light intensity allow precise measurement of changes in the angular position of the rod below the diffraction limit of light. Using this approach, the transition time of Escherichia coli F(1)-ATPase gamma-subunit rotation was determined to be 7.62 +/- 0.15 (standard deviation) rad/ms. The average rate-limiting dwell time between rotation events observed at the saturating substrate concentration was 8.03 ms, comparable to the observed Mg(2+)-ATPase k(cat) of 130 s(-)(1) (7.7 ms). Histograms of scattered light intensity from ATP-dependent nanorod rotation as a function of polarization angle allowed the determination of the nanorod orientation with respect to the axis of rotation and plane of polarization. This information allowed the drag coefficient to be determined, which implied that the instantaneous torque generated by F(1) was 63.3 +/- 2.9 pN nm. The high temporal resolution of rotation allowed the measurement of the instantaneous torque of F(1), resulting in direct implications for its rotational mechanism.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2003

Thinking outside the body: an advantage for spatial updating during imagined versus physical self-rotation.

Three studies examined effects of different response measures on spatial updating during self-rotation. In Experiment 1, participants located objects in an array with a pointer after physical self-rotation, imagined self-rotation, and a rotation condition in which they ignored superfluous sensorimotor signals. In line with previous research, updating performance was found to be superior in the physical self-rotation condition compared with the other 2. In Experiment 2, participants performed in identical rotation movement conditions but located objects by verbal labeling rather than pointing. Within the verbal modality, an advantage for updating during imagined self-rotation was found. In Experiment 3, participants performed physical and imagined self-rotations only and used a pointing response offset from their physical reference frames. Performance was again superior during imagined self-rotations. The results suggest that it is not language processing per se that improves updating performance but rather a general reduction of the conflict between physical and projected egocentric reference frames.

Attention↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of degree of acetabular rotation after triple pelvic osteotomy on the position of the femoral head in relationship to the acetabulum.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of rotating the acetabulum 20 degrees and 30 degrees on percent coverage (PC) of the femoral head by the acetabulum and Norberg angle (NA) after triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMAL POPULATION: Fifty-six client-owned dogs. METHODS: PC and NA were measured from preoperative, immediate postoperative, first recheck, and second recheck radiographs to compare the effects of 20 degrees and 30 degrees of rotation of the acetabulum after TPO for treatment of hip dysplasia. RESULTS: Within the 20 degrees rotation group, PC and NA values were significantly greater at each subsequent evaluation time starting at the preoperative measurement except for NA between the first and second recheck times. Within the 30 degrees rotation group, PC and NA values were significantly greater at each subsequent evaluation time starting at the preoperative measurement except for PC and NA between the first and second recheck times. No significant differences between the 20 degrees and 30 degrees rotation groups were found at any corresponding times for either PC or NA. CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular rotation of 20 degrees provided the same degree of improvement in acetabular femoral head coverage as 30 degrees of rotation after TPO at the immediate postoperative, first recheck, and second recheck evaluation times. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on PC and NA, 20 degrees rotation of the acetabulum provides as much benefit as 30 degrees of acetabular rotation when performing a TPO.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2005

The effect of head rotation on cephalometric radiographs.

The aim of this study was to identify the potential projection errors of lateral, postero-anterior (PA) and submentovertex (SMV) cephalometric radiographs due to head rotation in the vertical z-axis. For this investigation, a complete human dry skull of an adult was used. The skull was rotated from 0 to +/-14 degrees at 2 degree intervals. A vertical axis, the z-axis, was used as the rotational axis to expose 15 lateral and 15 PA cephalometric radiographs. The skull was tilted on each side, again at 2 degree intervals, to expose the 15 SMV films. A series of linear and angular measurements was carried out on all cephalograms. The results revealed that horizontal linear and angular measurements between the horizontal planes on lateral cephalograms were subject to changes from 16.1 to 44.7 per cent with a 14 degree rotation of the head position. For PA cephalograms, again horizontal linear measurements, particularly mandibular length, were subject to a projection error of up to 34.9 per cent with head rotation. On the other hand, projection errors were within the 3-4 per cent limit for SMV radiography. The findings indicate that: (1) linear measurements and the measurement of angles between the horizontal planes are likely to be affected by head rotation in lateral cephalograms, (2) angular measurements demonstrate smaller variations with changing rotation of the head in PA cephalograms, (3) SMV radiographs are less vulnerable to head rotation. Vertical linear measurements of lateral cephalograms and angular measurements of PA radiographs are more reliable in minimizing the projection errors associated with head rotation.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Analysis of shoulder rotation accompanying a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation approach.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the medial rotation that accompanies flexion of the shoulder took place during the performance of the flexion-abduction-lateral-rotation proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern (D2F) with the forearm moving in supination and the elbow remaining in extension. The dominant shoulders of 10 volunteer subjects (8 men and 2 women) between 18 and 30 years of age and with no known pathological conditions of the dominant upper extremity were examined. The amount of shoulder flexion was determined by using a gravity-activated angle finder placed on the superior surface of the humerus at the beginning and ending phases of motion. The amount of shoulder rotation was determined by using a universal goniometer, a square ruler, and a gravity-activated angle finder with its base resting on the surface of an adjustable wooden bracket aligned over the humeral epicondyles. The results for all subjects showed that, as the D2F pattern was performed, lateral rotation occurred during the initial phase of motion that was followed by a palpable change to medial rotation. The analysis of variance and Scheffé tests demonstrated significant differences (p less than .01) between the amount of medial rotation at the beginning of the pattern and the point at which the rotational direction changed and between this point and the end of the pattern. Physical therapists should be aware that the flexion-abduction-lateral-rotation pattern should end with the shoulder in medial rotation when they guide and apply resistance to patients performing this PNF pattern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

In vivo axial rotations and neutral zones of the thoracolumbar spine.

Fourteen normal male subjects with mean age 23 (range 20-32) years and mean body weight of 69.6 kg underwent right and left axial rotation in a special machine--axial rotation tester (AROT). The AROT was designed and fabricated such as to allow uninhibited coupled axial rotation and lateral flexion while preventing flexion and extension. The range of rotation (ROR) and neutral zone (NZ) were recorded during active rotation (.A), active rotation with blindfold (.B), and passive rotation with blindfold (.P). Finally, bilateral axial rotation was tested with 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 Nm rotary torque (.T). There was no significant difference between ROR.A and ROR.B, both being approximately 140 degrees. However, there was a significant difference between NZ.A and NZ.B (p < 0.01). ROR.P was approximately 30 degrees greater than ROR.A. The trunk structures showed a nonlinear viscoelastic behavior with progressive rotary torque application. The neutral zone in axial rotation did not show significant difference between different loads. It is reported that the rotary neutral zone varies between subjects, and it is suggested to be contributory to spinal laxity.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Component rotation and anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty.

All patients undergoing cruciate-retaining primary total knee arthroplasty for degenerative osteoarthritis at one center were studied prospectively. Clinical and radiographic followup was obtained at a minimum 5 years in 102 knees in 73 patients. Patients were asked specifically about the presence of the pain in the anterior aspect of the knee in the vicinity of the patella and rated the severity of the pain on a visual analog scale. Significant anterior knee pain rating at least 3 of 10 on the visual analog scale was present in 16 knees (13 patients). Eleven patients with 14 symptomatic knees agreed to undergo computed tomography scanning to accurately determine the rotation of the tibial and femoral components. The epicondylar axis and tibial tubercle were used as references using a previously validated technique. A control group of 11 asymptomatic patients (14 knees), matched for age, gender, and length of followup also underwent computed tomography scanning. All patients in both groups had normal axial alignment. There was a highly significant difference in tibial component rotation between the two groups with the patients with anterior knee pain averaging 6.2 degrees internal rotation compared with 0.4 degrees external rotation in the control group. There also was a significant difference in combined component rotation with the patients with anterior knee pain averaging 4.7 degrees internal rotation compared with 2.6 degrees external rotation in the control group. There was no significant difference in the degree of radiographic patellar tilt or patellar subluxation between the two groups. Patients with combined component internal rotation were more than five times as likely to experience anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty compared with those with combined component external rotation. Component malrotation is a significant factor in the development of anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Ligamentous laxity across C0-C1-C2 complex. Axial torque-rotation characteristics until failure.

The axial torque until failure of the ligamentous occipito-atlanto-axial complex (C0-C1-C2) subjected to axial angular rotation (theta) was characterized using a biaxial MTS system. A special fixture and gearbox that permitted right axial rotation of the specimen until failure without imposing any additional constraints were designed to obtain the data. The average values for the axial rotation and torque at the point of maximum resistance were, respectively, 68.1 degrees and 13.6 N-m. The specimens offered minimal resistance (approximately 0.5 N-m), up to an average axial rotation of 21 degrees across the complex. The torque-angular rotation (T-theta) curve can be divided into four regions: regions of least and steadily increasing resistances, a transition zone that connects these two regions, and the increasing resistance region to the point of maximum resistance. The regions of least and steadily increasing resistances may be represented by two straight lines with average slopes of 0.028 and 0.383 N-m/degree, respectively. Post-test dissection of the specimens disclosed the following. The point of maximum resistance corresponded roughly to the value of axial rotation at which complete bilateral rotary dislocation of the C1-C2 facets occurred. The types of injuries observed were related to the magnitude of axial rotation imposed on a specimen during testing. Soft-tissue injuries alone (like stretch/rupture of the capsular ligaments, subluxation of the C1-C2 facets, etc.) were confined to specimens rotated up to or close to the point of maximum resistance. The specimens that were subjected to rotations up to the point of maximum resistance of the curve spontaneously reduced completely on removal from the testing apparatus. Spontaneous reduction was not possible for specimens tested slightly beyond their points of maximum resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2002

Normal and spondylolytic pediatric spine movements with reference to instantaneous axis of rotation.

STUDY DESIGN: A radiologic study of lumbar kinematics in the pediatric spine was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the kinematic alteration in the pediatric spine with pars defects by measuring the location of the instantaneous axis of rotation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebral slippage and deformities such as wedging of L5 are observed frequently in pediatric patients with spondylolysis. However, the kinematics of pediatric lumbar spine with pars defects has not yet been well documented. METHODS: Radiographs of 70 pediatric patients (57 boys and 13 girls) with low back pain were examined. The control group (without spondylolysis) consisted of 22 patients (15 boys and 7 girls; mean age, 14.6 years; range, 10-18 years), and the lysis group (with spondylolysis at L5) consisted of 48 patients (42 boys and 6 girls; mean age, 14.5 years; range, 11-18 years). The lysis group was further divided into four subgroups according to the stage of defects and existence of slippage: Group 1 (early stage defect), Group 2 (progressive stage defect), Group 3 (terminal stage defect without slippage), and Group 4 (terminal stage defect with slippage of more than 5%; olisthesis). The instantaneous axis of rotation at L4-L5 and L5-S1 from the extended to the flexed position was measured on lateral dynamic radiograms taken in with the subject in the recumbent position. The relation between lumbar index and the site of instantaneous axis of rotation at L5-S1 also was analyzed. RESULTS: The site of instantaneous axis of rotation at L5-S1 and L4-L5 in the control group was not located in the rotating cranial vertebra. In 1 of the 11 patients in the early-stage subgroup, the instantaneous axis of rotation at L5-S1 was found in the cranial vertebra. In 4 of the 11 patients in the progressive stage, 11 of the 16 patients in the terminal stage, and in 7 of the 10 patients in the olisthesis subgroup, the instantaneous axis of rotation was located in the cranial vertebra. Cranial deviation in the instantaneous axis of rotation was observed more frequently in the vertebra with severe deformity less than 80% of the lumbar index than in the vertebra with milder deformity. CONCLUSIONS: The instantaneous axis of rotation deviated cranially as the stage of pars defects advanced, and as the wedge deformity increased. Kinematic alteration of the lumbar spine in pediatric patients with spondylolysis may affect chondrocytes of the endplate, perhaps contributing to the consequent spine deformities occurring secondarily to spondylolysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Cardiac rotation and relaxation after anterolateral myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Both systolic and diastolic dysfunction have been observed in patients with anterolateral myocardial infarction. Diastolic dysfunction is related to disturbances in relaxation and diastolic filling. OBJECTIVE: To analyse cardiac rotation, regional shortening and diastolic relaxation in patients with anterolateral infarction. METHODS: Cardiac rotation and relaxation in controls and patients with chronic anterolateral infarction were assessed by myocardial tagging. Myocardial tagging is based on magnetic resonance imaging and allows us to label specific myocardial regions for imaging cardiac motion (rotation, translation and radial displacement). A rectangular grid was placed on the myocardium (basal, equatorial and apical short-axis plane) of each of 18 patients with chronic anterolateral infarction and 13 controls. Cardiac rotation, change in area and shortening of circumference were determined in each case. RESULTS: The left ventricle in controls performs a systolic wringing motion with a clockwise rotation at the base and a counterclockwise rotation at the apex when viewed from the apex. During relaxation a rotational motion in the opposite direction (namely untwisting) can be observed. In patients with anterolateral infarction, there is less systolic rotation at the apex and diastolic untwisting is delayed and prolonged in comparison with controls. In the presence of a left ventricular aneurysm (n = 4) apical rotation is completely lost. There is less shortening of circumference in infarcted and remote regions. CONCLUSIONS: The wringing motion of the myocardium might be an important mechanism involved in maintaining normal cardiac function with minimal expenditure of energy. This mechanism no longer operates in patients with left ventricular aneurysms and operates significantly less than normal in those with anterolateral hypokinaesia. Diastolic untwisting is significantly delayed and prolonged in patients with anterolateral infarction, which could explain the occurrence of diastolic dysfunction in these patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Ex vivo and in vitro determination of the axial rotational axis of the human thoracic spine.

STUDY DESIGN: Different geometrical and biomechanical evaluations were performed to determine the axial rotational axis of the thoracic spine. OBJECTIVE: Our research group has been dealing with the determination of the axial rotational axis of the thoracic spine. Here, we would like to present the geometrical and experimental results of our trials. With our experiments, we are trying to evaluate the contradictions of the related literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In the present state, we know quite a lot about the biomechanics of healthy and pathologic spines. Nevertheless, for a seemingly simple question like the position of the axial rotation of the thoracic spine, the literature gives contradicting results. During correction of a scoliotic deformity, when trying to correct the pathologic rotation, not knowing the physiologic rotation can be hazardous. METHODS: We wanted to clarify this question, so we examined the thoracic spine in many different ways. First, we examined the problem from a geometrical point of view then we modeled the different rotational axes by studying the change in volume of the spinal canal. Finally, we used cadaver spines that we rotated and examined with radiographs and digital pictures. RESULTS: Based on the results, we made the following establishments: most of the center points fell on the anterior half of the vertebral body or into the spinal canal, basically on the midsagittal axis of the vertebra. The rib cage has a significant effect on the place of the axis. After removing the ribs, the axis of axial rotation moved forward. CONCLUSIONS: After evaluating the results, we determined that the most likely place for the rotational axis is on the median-sagittal plane, in the anterior portion of the spinal canal.

Aged↗