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The
“S” Curve Mechanics of Whiplash Injury…
Published January 2000
Reviewer: Richard E. Seroussi MD
Grauer
JN,Panjabi MM,Cholewicki J,Nibu K,Dvorak J. Whiplash produces an
S-shaped curvature of the neck with hyperextension at lower levels.
Spine 1997; 22:2489-94.
| Summary
1. Using a validated model of whiplash derived from the study
of cadavers, these authors reject the popular notion of hyperextension
of the entire head and neck as the primary cause of whiplash
injury. Instead, they document backward displacement and
downward flexion of the head and upper neck at about one-twentieth
of a second after impact.
2. The flexion and backward movement of the head and upper
neck forces the lower neck vertebral segments to excessively
extend, creating an “S-shaped” curve of the neck when viewed
from the side. The excessive extension of the lower neck
represents a likely mechanism of injury (see figure).
3. By about one-tenth of one second after impact, the entire
head and neck apparatus moves into extension, but excessive
extension is not observed at any level, placing into doubt
the notion that this phase of neck motion can be the major
cause of injury.
4. This landmark study is consistent with recent results obtained
by other groups, yielding a more detailed biomechanical understanding
of whiplash injury.[1-3]
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