Do longus capitis and colli really stabilise the cervical spine? A study of their fascicular anatomy and peak force capabilities
Kennedy, Ewan; Albert, Michael; Nicholson, Helen
Cite this item:
Kennedy, E., Albert, M., & Nicholson, H. (2017). Do longus capitis and colli really stabilise the cervical spine? A study of their fascicular anatomy and peak force capabilities. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 32, 104-113. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2017.10.005
Permanent link to OUR Archive version:
http://hdl.handle.net/10523/7664
Abstract:
Background
Longus capitis and colli are proposed to play a role in stabilising the cervical spine, targeted in clinical and research practice with cranio-cervical flexion. However, it is not clear if these muscles are anatomically or biomechanically suited to a stabilising role.
Objectives
To describe the fascicular morphology of the longus capitis and colli, and estimate their peak force generating capabilities across the individual cervical motion segments.
Study Design
Biomechanical force modelling based on anatomical data
Methods
Three-part design including cadaveric dissection (n=7), in vivo MRI muscle volume calculation from serial slices in young healthy volunteers (n=6), and biomechanical modelling of the peak force generating capacities based on computed tomography scans of the head and neck.
Results
Longus capitis and colli are small muscles spanning multiple cervical motion segments. Bilateral peak flexion torque estimates were higher in the upper cervical spine (0.5 Nm), and unlikely to affect motion below the level of C5 (<0.2 Nm). Peak shear estimates were negligible (<20 N), while peak compression estimates were small (<80 N).
Conclusions
These data highlight the complex anatomy and small force capacity of longus capitis and colli, and have implications for their function. In particular, the small peak compression forces indicate that these muscles have a limited capacity to contribute to cervical stability via traditional mechanisms. This implies that the mechanism(s) by which cranio-cervical flexion exercises produce clinical benefits is worth exploring further.
Date:
2017-12
Publisher:
Elsevier Ltd
Pages:
104-113
ISSN:
2468-7812
Rights Statement:
The final publication is available via Elsevier at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2017.10.005
Keywords:
Longus capitis; Longus colli; Deep cervical flexors; Deep neck flexors; Physiotherapy; Clinical anatomy; Anatomy; Biomechanics; Neck muscles; Neck pain
Research Type:
Journal Article
Languages:
English
Notes:
Pre-print
Collections
- Journal Article [762]
- School of Physiotherapy [68]