Injury to the Thoracolumbar Spine and Pelvis

Abstract

Injury to the bony poriton of the thora-columbar spine is rare in automotive collisions. Soft tissue injuries appear to be more common. Major modes of injury to the spine are described, followed by a discussion of the biomechanical response to vertical and horizontal acceleration. A form of spinal injury due to the wearing of shoulder belts is discussed. The biomechanics and neurophysiology of lower back pain form the foundation for an understanding of soft tissue injury. The relationship between disc rupture and impact loading is considered to be remote as disc rupture is a degenerative process that occurs over a long period of time. Mathematical models of the spine are also reviewed.