The human spine is a complicated musculoskeletal structure and is the only joint structure of its kind in the body. Along with providing the structural support for the entire body above the pelvis and housing the spinal cord, the spine allows flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation about its axis. Due to this vast range of motion, there is a very complex interaction between the vertebra, connective tissues, and articulating surfaces of the spine. Through mechanical testing, researchers can determine the material properties of the individual spinal components and the kinematic behavior of the spine system. The understanding of the material properties and kinematic behavior of the spine, provided through mechanical testing, is used to investigate sports related head and neck injuries and whiplash suffered from motor vehicle accidents. With this information, researchers and engineers can continue to improve vehicle restraint systems and protective equipment for contact, extreme, and motor sports, such as football, hockey, skiing, snowboarding, four wheeling, and dirt biking. Researchers are also actively engaged in determining causes and treatments for back and neck pain. Their understanding of the material properties and intricacies of the spine will lead to improved surgical techniques and intervertebral disc replacements and implants to treat the pain and limited mobility associated with disc degradation in the aging spine. TestResources offers biomedical testing systems customized to your specific research needs, with compression, tension, bending, and torsion capabilities for both static and dynamic testing. Contact one of our experienced application engineers to assist in building the best test system for your current and future research activities.
Recommended Test Machine
Static and fatigue forces up to 50 kN (11,250 lbf)
Frequency ratings up to 75 Hz
Oil-free, all electric actuator for clean test conditions
Lower purchase, operating, and maintenance costs than hydraulic equivalents
Force ratings up to 50 kN (11,250 lbf) and torque ratings up to 180 Nm (1,600 lbf∙in)
Can apply axial and torsional loads simultaneously
Performs both static and dynamic tests
All electric and oil-free operation
Allows for testing in temperature-controlled water or saline solution
PID controlled temperature up to 45°C (113°F)
Size is optimized per application
Accompanied by a broad set of accessories that are designed for biomedical baths
