A new acceleration apparatus for the study of whiplash with human cadaveric cervical spine specimens

The biomechanics of whiplash is often studied using cadaveric cervical spine specimens. One of the most important points in this kind of study is to create realistic loading conditions. The aim of the present project therefore was to develop an acceleration apparatus, which allows the study of whiplash with human cadaveric cervical spine specimens under as realistic loading conditions as possible. The new acceleration apparatus mainly consisted of a sled, a pneumatic acceleration unit and a railtrack and offered several unique features to create more realistic loading conditions. Among these features, the possibility to simulate the passive movements of the trunk is of capital importance. In this new apparatus, first, the general feasibility of whiplash experiments was studied, second, the reproducibility of the impacts was quantified and third, the effect of simulated movements of the trunk on accelerations and loads was examined. In the new acceleration apparatus various types of collisions could reproducibly be simulated. Simulated passive movements of the trunk strongly influenced the loading pattern of the neck. Without pivoting a steep increase of all loading parameters could be observed. This increase was less pronounced if pivoting was allowed. In conclusion, biomechanical aspects of whiplash could reproducibly be examined in the new acceleration apparatus. Due to its significant effects on the loading of the neck, pivoting of the trunk should always be taken into account in future experiments on the biomechanics of whiplash in which isolated cervical spine specimens are used.