SIMULATION OF WHIPLASH TRAUMA USING WHOLE CERVICAL-SPINE SPECIMENS

Study Design. Whiplash injuries were studied in an experiment using wh ole cervical spine specimen. Objectives. To develop a whiplash trauma model that uses a whole cervical spine specimen, and to show the feasi bility and unique features of such a model. Summary of Background Data . Whiplash trauma has been simulated in biomechanical experiments usin g volunteers, whole body cadavers, animals, anthropometric dummies, an d mathematic models. These experiments require large facilities, are e xpensive, and provide limited information about cervical spine injurie s. Methods. An alternate approach, in which a bench-top sled accelerat ing apparatus is used to produce whiplash trauma, has been developed t o study such trauma in whole cervical spine specimens. Several transdu cers were developed to monitor soft tissue injuries during the trauma. The model also provides quantification of injuries to the cervical sp ine. Results. To assess the feasibility and usefulness of the model, a specimen was traumatized, and the following parameters were monitored during the trauma: linear acceleration of the sled, linear and angula r acceleration of the head surrogate, displacements of the head surrog ate, loads at T1 and C1 vertebrae, and linear deformations of capsular ligaments and vertebral artery. Conclusions. This model, which incorp orates a fresh cadaveric whole human cervical spine specimen, can simu late whiplash trauma effectively and is useful in providing a comprehe nsive set of clinically relevant information during the trauma. This m odel gives insight into the complex events and interactions that cause the injuries that occur during whiplash trauma.