Analysis of cervical motion and neck injury mechanisms during low speed rear-end collisions

摘要

The magnitude and quality of the dynamic loads produced in the cervical spine in low speed rear-end collisions were different for various riding postures and restraint systems. Numerically simulated results showed that the dynamic loads generated in the cervical spine are more complex then previously thought. When the head rotated until the limits of the physiological range of motion injurious dynamic loads were significantly produced in the upper cervical level on account of being subjected to the large torque due to head mass. In the stooped-shoulder or leaning-forward posture where the upper torso was initially away from the seatback surface the cervical spine formed into the so-called "S" shape, the considerable shear and axial loads was partially produced in the cervical spine, but in the stooped-shoulder posture the so-called "S" shape of the cervical spine was prevented by the equipment of the head restraint. In the upright or reclined posture the cervical spine did not form into the so-called "S" shape. The subject's awareness of and preparation for the impact prior to rear-end collision did not make a great contribution to decrease the dynamic load generated in the cervical spine.