David Nuckley, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
"Biomechanics of the Spine"
The cervical spine acts as the main structural column of the neck as
well as the conduit through which our body's neural connections
pass. Our research at the Applied Biomechanics Laboratory centers
on preserving these functions in automotive accidents, during surgical
interventions, and with natural age advancement. Our experimental
efforts have elucidated the mechanical response of the neck due to
impact and inertial loading. These studies have determined
differences due to surgical augmentations, natural spinal development,
and differing loading conditions. Further, these experimental
efforts have led to the development of computational models to aid in
injury prevention and clinical management of injuries. I will be
presenting an overview of our experimental approach including tools and
techniques as well as our most recent experimental findings.