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Identifying Spinal Injury Patterns in Underbody Blast to Develop Mechanistic Hypotheses
Edward Spurrier1, Iain Gibb, Spyros Masouros
1*Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom †Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Defence Medical Services, Birminghah, UK ‡Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit Frimley Park, United Kingdom.
Spine
|November 17, 2015
Summary
Under-vehicle blast injuries reveal specific spinal fracture patterns. Thoracolumbar fractures suggest a flexed posture, while cervical injuries may indicate head impact, informing mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Military medicine
Background:
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) frequently target vehicles in recent conflicts, causing severe injuries.
- Underbody blast events pose significant risks to vehicle occupants.
- The mechanisms of spinal injury from under-vehicle blasts require further understanding for effective mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify spinal injury patterns resulting from under-vehicle blasts.
- To elucidate the mechanisms behind these specific spinal injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of UK blast victims (2008-2013).
- Data sourced from the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry.
- Spinal fractures classified via initial scan review.
Main Results:
- 78 victims identified; 53 were survivors, with 284 total fractures.
- Predominant thoracolumbar fractures were wedge compression injuries, suggesting a flexed posture.
- Cervical spine fractures were predominantly compression-extension, potentially from head impact.
Conclusions:
- Adjusting seated posture may reduce or control thoracolumbar blast injury patterns.
- Vehicle design modifications to protect the head could mitigate cervical spine injuries.
