Spinal Injury Studies in the Human Cadaver,

Injuries produced by compression or tension loads delivered either axially or in association with flexion or extension represent the majority of spinal injuries observed in most centers. The spinal cord routinely is injured by ligament failure, or dislocation, with attendant impact to the spinal cord with bone or disk. While a rich literature exists detailing the retrospective evaluation and injury force vectors associated with spinal injury, few quantitative studies are available. This presentation will provide a review of typical clinical findings observed in our institution with a comparison of studies conducted on 50 unembalmed human male cadaver specimens studied with forces applied in compression and transverse to the cervical or thoracolumbar columns. Briefly all specimens were determined to be within normal limits by medical history and x-ray examinations conducted prior to the test. All tissues were x-rayed following each test. Spinal injury was determined by careful gross dissection and confirmation by clinical staff members.