Validation of a Novel Spine Test Machine

Abstract

A novel spine test machine was developed for physiological loading of spinal segments. It can be used in conjunction with external motioncapture systems (EMCS) to measure angular displacement, but can also measure inplane rotations directly, though the inherent error is unknown. This study quantified error inherent in the displacement measurement of the machine. Synthetic specimens representative of cadaveric spinal specimens were tested. Machine displacement was compared to EMCS displacement. The maximum machine displacement error was <2 deg for lumbar and thoracic specimens. The authors suggest that researchers use EMCS in conjunction with the test machine when high accuracy measurements are required.