Biomechanical modelling of impact-related fracture characteristics and injury patterns of the cervical spine associated with riding accidents.

The research explores how various postures of the cervical spine, or the neck, might influence injury severity during a horse-riding accident. By studying the point of failure, fracture patterns, and ultimate strength, the study provides potential insights for better protective gear design.

Research Methodology

• Anatomical models of 18 human cervical spines were used for this study. Each model was divided into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) specimens, composed of three vertebrae each. This allowed researchers to simulate and investigate differences in injuries to various parts of the neck.
• The models were subjected to simulated impacts mimicking spinal trauma in different postures: neutral (normal, upright position), flexion (bending forward), and extension (bending backward). This testing protocol was designed to represent the variety of positions a rider’s neck might be in during a fall from a horse.
• Different aspects of the resulting injuries were analyzed, including the stress-to-failure (how much force the spine could withstand before breaking), the deformation at the time of fracture, and the fracture patterns. These fracture patterns were further assessed through CT scans to thoroughly understand the damage.

Research Findings

• The study found that the stress-to-failure was lowest in specimens demonstrating a flexed posture compared to neutral and extended postures.
• The superior (upper) cervical spine region demonstrated a higher stress-to-failure, indicating that it could withstand more force before fracturing than the inferior (lower) portion of the cervix.
• The studies also uncovered that in a neutral or flexed position, the induced cervical spine trauma was likely to result in mild or moderate fracture patterns. However, fractures incurred while the spine was extended were frequently severe, often leading to the narrowing of the spinal canal which could have devastating consequences.

Conclusion and Implications

• The findings suggest that maintaining a neutral posture of the cervical spine during a horse-riding impact could be beneficial. This position withstands greater force before breaking, and the resulting injury patterns are expected to be less severe compared to when the spine is extended.
• These insights can inform the design of protective gear for horse riders that works on promoting and maintaining a neutral cervical spine position during falls to minimize injury severity and protect against serious damages.