COMPRESSION FRACTURES OF THORACIC VERTEBRAE APPARENTLY RESULTING FROM EXPERIMENTAL IMPACT, A CASE REPORT

摘要

The occurrence of compression deformities of the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae in a human test subject (DCL) exposed in laboratory experiments to an impact acceleration profile similar to that produced by ejection seat rockets is reported. This injury was presumed to be the result of an impact profile having a peak acceleration of 18.8 G, a rate of onset of 420 G per second and a baseline duration of approxi¬mately 100 milliseconds. The subject's long axis was inclined back¬ward 34° from the vertical force vector. The diagnosis was established upon the subject's termination of hazardous duty and separation from the service, approximately one year after the presumptive date of injury. This documented injury represents a demonstrable endpoint in impact tolerance of a subject exposed to an acceleration environment which can be specifically described.