A Mathematical Study of the Effect of Neck Physical Parameters on Injury Susceptibility

Analytical man motion models have been used to study how basic physical measurements may relate to susceptibility to cervical hyperextension-hyperflexion injury in an automobile collision. The parameters considered in the computer study are head-neck mass and moments of inertia, anthropometry, neck muscle strength, and location, as well as strength of motion-limiting “stops.” In addition, related environmental parameters such as seat structural properties and crash acceleration pulse have been included. The data used with the computer program span the range of physical and sexual variation in function and structure of the neck in a representative U.S. population and have been obtained in an extensive experimental program. Results are presented which attempt to relate injury susceptibility to physical stature, age and sex.