Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Helmet use and associated spinal fractures in motorcycle crash victims
Pamela W Goslar1, Neil R Crawford, Scott R Petersen
1Level I Trauma, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Background:
The effect of helmet use on the incidence of cervical and thoracic fractures sustained in motorcycle crashes remains controversial.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of these fractures in helmeted and nonhelmeted crash victims at a single Level I trauma hospital with a well-defined system for evaluating spinal fractures.
Results:
Of 422 motorcycle crash victims treated during 3 years, 190 had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 75 sustained some form of spinal fracture.
Conclusions:
Based on the statistical analysis, there was no relationship between helmet use and cervical or thoracic fractures, after controlling for speed of crash. The protective effect of helmet use in TBI was verified. These findings re-emphasize the need for a well-defined radiologic protocol for spinal injury at centers that evaluate crash victims.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

