Inertially-Induced Cervical Spine Injuries in the Pediatric Population

This study integrates data from multiple sources to obtain a more complete understanding of inertially-induced pediatric cervical spine injury risk and the role of impact severity and restraint type. Data from previously conducted frontal crash and sled tests using a variety of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) in various restraint configurations were compiled and compared to injury assessment reference values (IARVs). The data show that neck loads in frontal collisions increase with increasing delta-V. At high delta-Vs, the neck loads correspond to a relatively high risk of neck injury regardless of restraint configuration. Pediatric inertial cervical spine injury risk in frontal collisions is governed primarily by the energy involved in the collision.