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A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Dynamic vertebral artery elongation during frontal and side impacts
Erik J Carlson1, Yasuhiro Tominaga, Paul C Ivancic
1Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520-8071, USA.
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Vertebral artery (VA) injury from elongation is more likely during side impacts than frontal impacts in car crashes. This study quantified VA elongation in simulated frontal and side collisions, revealing higher risks with side impacts.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Automotive Safety
- Injury Mechanisms
Background:
- Vertebral artery (VA) injury is hypothesized to result from nonphysiological head motions during car impacts.
- Previous research has examined VA elongation in rear impacts, but not frontal or side impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify dynamic VA elongations during simulated frontal and side automotive collisions.
- To compare these elongations with physiological limits for VA injury.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro biomechanical study using a whole cervical spine model with muscle force replication and a surrogate head.
- Simulated frontal impacts (4-10 g) and left side impacts (3.5-8 g) were performed on the model.
Main Results:
- Peak dynamic VA elongation during left side impact (up to 17.4 mm) significantly exceeded physiological limits starting at 6.5 g.
- Peak VA elongation during frontal impact (2.5 mm) did not exceed physiological limits.
- Side impacts resulted in earlier peak VA elongation (113.8 ms vs. 155.0 ms) and higher elongation rates (608.8 mm/s vs. 130.0 mm/s) compared to frontal impacts.
Conclusions:
- Elongation-induced VA injury is more probable during side impacts compared to frontal impacts.
- Automotive safety designs should consider the increased risk of VA injury from side-impact collisions.
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