Qualitative analysis of neck kinematics during low-speed rear-end impact.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze neck kinematics and loading patterns during rear-end impacts.


METHODS
The motion of each cervical vertebra was captured using a 250 frame/s X-ray system during a whole body rear-end impact. These data were analyzed in order to understand different phases of neck loading during rear-end impact.


BACKGROUND
The mechanism of whiplash injury remains largely unknown. An understanding of the underlying kinematics of whiplash is crucial to the identification of possible injury mechanisms before countermeasures can be designed.


METHODS
Metallic markers were inserted into the vertebral bodies and spinous processes of each of the seven cervical vertebrae. Relative displacement-time traces between each pair of adjacent cervical vertebrae were calculated from X-ray data. Qualitative analyses of the kinematics of the neck at different phase of impact were performed.


RESULTS
The neck experiences compression, tension, shear, flexion and extension at different cervical levels and/or during different stages of the whiplash event.


CONCLUSIONS
Neck kinematics during whiplash is rather complicated and greatly influenced by the rotation of the thoracic spine, which occurs as a result of the straightening of the kyphotic thoracic curvature.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the complicated kinematics of a rear-end impact may help clinicians and researchers shed some light on potential mechanisms of whiplash neck injury.
Luan
F
F
Bioengineering Center, Wayne State University, 818 W. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Yang
K H
KH
Deng
B
B
Begeman
P C
PC
Tashman
S
S
King
A I
AI
D000054:Acceleration; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012399:Rotation; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*