Numerical Modeling of the Capsular Ligament Failure for the C2-C3 Segment in the Case of a Frontal Impact

Abstract

The cervical spine is a complex anatomical structure that mainly stabilizes the head and protects the spinal cord. Injuries of the cervical spine often occur during falls or road accidents and are particularly serious since they generate strong threats of paralysis and death. It should be noted that the ligaments provide cervical stability but their stabilization in case of injury is not yet well investigated. In this context, the objective of the present work is to study the failure of the ligaments by developing a bio-faithful numerical model while using a more realistic geometry of the spinal components and behavior laws that take into account the effect of strain rate and motion amplitudes. In order to validate the results of the study, we conducted a comparison with previous literature studies. It has been found that damage is often supported by intervertebral discs, anterior longitudinal ligaments (ALL) and capsular ligaments (CL) in the case of frontal impact. Indeed, the highest stresses are concentrated in the annulus fibrosus and the capsular ligaments. In this study, we tested the effect of ligament tears on disc behavior, where it was found that the stress rate increased by approximately 6%. The effect of capsular ligament tear orientation was also examined. The obtained results show that the most dangerous inclination was downward at an angle of 45°.