Raymond R. Brodeur

Rectus capitis posterior minor: a small but important suboccipital muscle

Research on the rectus capitus posterior minor (RCPM) muscle shows that it is one of the most important muscles of the suboccipital region. In this article we review the anatomy, physiology, function and dysfunction as well as the evaluation and treatment of this muscle. There is anatomical evidence indicating that the RCPM directly affects the biomechanics of the dura matter via its originating fibres on the posterior atlantooccipital membrane. In addition, due to its high density of muscle spindles it is speculated that this muscle plays a role as a proprioceptive monitor, important for balance and pain. Inflammation of this muscle has been shown to cause reflexive activity of surrounding cervical and jaw muscles. Trauma such as whiplash has been shown to lead to the atrophy of this muscle and this atrophy has been shown to be strongly correlated with chronic neck pain as well as a decrease in standing balance. The integrity of the RCPM can be directly evaluated via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using palpation techniques, subjects with atrophied RCPMs have been shown to have twice as many cervical somatic dysfunctions as control subjects. Cervical spine manipulations have been shown to have a beneficial effect on poor balance and vertigo. The effectiveness of balance training and several soft tissue techniques are also discussed.

Manual and manipulation techniques for rheumatic disease

Manipulation is practiced primarily by chiropractors and osteopaths and is one of the most commonly utilized alternative treatments for rheumatic diseases. Low back pain and neck pain are the most frequently treated disorders, but manipulation is also used to treat a broad range of rheumatic diseases. Manipulation has been shown to decrease joint pain and normalize function. The mechanisms of action, however, are not well understood. Current theories propose an imbalance of muscle activity is a source of pain that manipulation can relieve through reflexive actions. Such muscle imbalances would exacerbate rheumatic and arthritic conditions, suggesting that manipulation may be an important therapy that is appropriate for early conservative care as part of a comprehensive treatment program.

Porting CAESAR Data as an ERL Human Body Model

In this paper we present a method for converting the CAESAR full body scanned data into human body models for use in the ERL design software. The ERL software is a comprehensive interior automobile design tool, used in design or evaluation. The 3D CAD occupants in ERL were generated from anatomical cross sections at comparable landmarks and spinal shapes. Skeletal landmarks in the CAESAR data are used to establish segmental coordinates from which cross-sections are defined. The anatomical cross sections are used to re-generate the external shape of the body. Additional skeletal landmarks are calculated using regression equations. Segmental mass distributions are calculated based on segmental volume.