A two-dimensional axi-symmetric numerical model is constructed of the spinal cord, consisting of elastic cord tissue surrounded by aqueous cerebrospinal fluid, in turn surrounded by elastic dura. The geometric and elastic parameters are simplified but of realistic order, compared with existing measurements. A distal reflecting site models scar tissue formed by earlier trauma to the cord, which is commonly associated with syrinx formation. Transients equivalent to both arterial pulsation and percussive coughing are used to excite wave propagation. Propagation is investigated in this model and one with a central canal down the middle of the cord tissue, and in further idealized versions of it, including a model with no cord, one with a rigid cord, one with a rigid dura, and a double-length untapered variant of the rigid-dura model. Analytical predictions for axial and radial wave-speeds in these different situations are compared with, and used to explain, the numerical outcomes. We find that the anatomic circumstances of the spinal cerebrospinal fluid cavity probably do not allow for significant wave steepening phenomena. The results indicate that wave propagation in the real cord is set by the elastic properties of both the cord tissue and the confining dura mater, fat, and bone. The central canal does not influence the wave propagation significantly.
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December 2005
Technical Papers
The Origins of Syringomyelia: Numerical Models of Fluid/Structure Interactions in the Spinal Cord Available to Purchase
C. D. Bertram,
C. D. Bertram
Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering,
University of New South Wales
, Sydney, Australia
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A. R. Brodbelt,
A. R. Brodbelt
Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute
, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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M. A. Stoodley
M. A. Stoodley
Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute
, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
Search for other works by this author on:
C. D. Bertram
Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering,
University of New South Wales
, Sydney, Australia
A. R. Brodbelt
Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute
, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
M. A. Stoodley
Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute
, Randwick, New South Wales, AustraliaJ Biomech Eng. Dec 2005, 127(7): 1099-1109 (11 pages)
Published Online: May 20, 2005
Article history
Received:
October 18, 2004
Revised:
May 20, 2005
Citation
Bertram, C. D., Brodbelt, A. R., and Stoodley, M. A. (May 20, 2005). "The Origins of Syringomyelia: Numerical Models of Fluid/Structure Interactions in the Spinal Cord." ASME. J Biomech Eng. December 2005; 127(7): 1099–1109. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2073607
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