Lower Cervical Spine Biomechanics

Flexion/Extension
 The total range of flexion and extension that is possible in the lower cervical spine is equal to approximately 60 degrees, of which only about 40 degrees is flexion. Click here to display a table that summarizes these findings. Click here to visualize normal flexion and extension from a -- side view -- back view -- top view) .

The fact that there is no bony limitation to flexion predisposes the lower cervical spine to a particular form of dislocation. During a whiplash-type accident, there may occur an anterior dislocation of the zygapophyseal joints, resulting in the inferior articular facets of the upper vertebra becoming hooked upon the anterosuperior margin of the superior facet of the lower vertebra (Click here).
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