The researchers conducted a biomechanical laboratory study using unembalmed human cadaver lumbar spine. They dropped the specimen to induce acceleration loading to the column and recorded data on axial force and acceleration during the loading phase. CT scans were used to identify and classify injuries using the three-column concept.
The researchers found that peak axial forces for the specimens, which were classified as aircraft ejection-type loadings and helicopter crash-type loadings, were 4.8 to 7.2kN. Those with ejection-type loaded specimens sustained single level injuries and the helicopter crash-type loaded sustained injuries at inferior levels. All specimens were unstable at at least one spinal level.
The researchers concluded that “the severity of spinal injuries increase with increasing acceleration levels and, more importantly, injuries shift inferiority from the thoracolumbar junction to lower lumbar levels.” The study could offer an explanation for clinically observed caudal migration of spinal trauma in military populations.
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