Biomechanics of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Rollover Crashes

A series of physical models of the human head and neck were constructed to study, the biomechanics of the cervical spinal cord during a simulated rollover clash. These models were dynamically loaded in axial compression and the spatial and temporal patterns of strain in the spinal cord were calculated. The largest strains were seen in the regions near subluxations from simulated ligament disruptions. The strain rates were calculated and were sufficiently high in some regions that functional failure of the axons in the spinal cord would be expected in neural tissues undergoing these loads.

Type: Research and Analysis Report

Sub Type: Grant

Author(s): Dr Lynne E Bilston

Topics: Injury, Occ protection

Publication Date: 01/01/96