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Related Experiment Videos

Head, neck, and mandible dynamics generated by 'whiplash'

R P Howard1, A P Bowles, H M Guzman

  • 1Biodynamic Research Corporation, San Antonio, TX 78230-2269, USA. howardrp@brc-sat.mhs.compuserve

Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|July 17, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Rear-end collisions at speeds under 11 km/h may cause neck muscle strain but do not appear to injure the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forces at the TMJ during low-velocity impacts are within physiologic ranges, suggesting TMJ injury is unlikely in these scenarios.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Orthopedics
  • Traumatology

Background:

  • The link between low-velocity rear-end collisions and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries has been hypothesized for over 50 years.
  • Previous research proposed various injury mechanisms for the TMJ during whiplash maneuvers.
  • Forces at the TMJ during an 8.0 km/h impact velocity change are considered within typical physiologic ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To apply current head/neck dynamic data to model forces experienced at the TMJ during rear-end collisions.
  • To investigate the relationship between impact velocity changes and forces generated at the TMJ.
  • To assess the potential for TMJ injury and neck movement abnormalities in low-velocity impacts.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted 14 motor vehicle test collisions involving 7 live subjects at impact velocities ranging from 3.9 to 10.9 km/h.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Utilized linear and angular accelerometers and high-speed cameras to record vehicle and subject responses.
  • Measured head accelerations, TMJ forces, and mandibular opening responses; monitored for neck hyperflexion/hyperextension.

    • Main Results:

    • Head accelerations and TMJ forces showed a generally linear relationship with impact velocity changes.
    • No instances of neck hyperflexion or hyperextension were observed in any subject.
    • All subjects experienced transient neck muscle strain (1-3 days); no TMJ symptoms were reported.

    Conclusions:

    • Head, neck, and mandible motions in whiplash are more complex than previously understood.
    • The cervical muscle injury threshold appears to be reached around 8.0 km/h.
    • Low-velocity rear-end impacts (<11.0 km/h) do not seem to cause injurious forces at the TMJ.