A Biomechanical Method for Reconstruction of Tumbling Trampoline- Associated Cervical Spine Injuries Using Human and Anthropometric Test Dummy Data

Desmoulin Gt

doi:10.4172/2090-2697.1000115

Abstract

BackgroundRebound devices such as trampolines are associated with catastrophic spinal cord injuries. Cadaveric studies have reported thresholds for injuries that can be applied to the case of failed acrobatics such as backward somersaults. However, it remains unclear whether falls on rebound surfaces should be expected to cause neurological injuries in the majority of cases or only in unfortunate exceptions. The purpose of the current study is to demonstrate the risk of injury associated with a failed backflip performed on a rebound device such as a trampoline or tumbling trampoline.MethodsBackward somersault kinematic data was acquired using subjects fitted with a safety harness. This data was then applied to a testing rig designed to set a Hybrid III Anthropometric Test Dummy (ATD) in rotation and released at precise timing so as to reproduce failed backward somersaults. The ATD was instrumented to measure rotational rate, head acceleration as well as stresses in the lower cervical region.ResultsThe axial compression, shear force and flexion moment measured on average (SD) were respectively 1700 (470) N, 909 (667) N, and 360 (122) Nm while the threshold for bilateral facet joint dislocation (BFD) shown by previous cadaver studies showed a significantly lower threshold (p <0.001). Combined results have shown a likelihood of BFD for failed somersaults on tumbling trampolines ranging from 47 to 99%.ConclusionFailed backward somersaults causing BFD are also likely to cause neurological damage. Therefore, use of rebound devices requires the need for progressive skill achievement; supervision for beginners and the use of additional safety measures must be emphasized to prevent inverted vertical falls resulting in the specific combination of forces necessary to cause BFD.

Highlights

Every year, thousands of people report to hospital emergency departments for trampoline related injuries [1,2,3]
Combined results have shown a likelihood of Bilateral Facet Dislocations (BFD) for failed somersaults on tumbling trampolines ranging from 47 to 99%
Use of rebound devices requires the need for progressive skill achievement; supervision for beginners and the use of additional safety measures must be emphasized to prevent inverted vertical falls resulting in the specific combination of forces necessary to cause BFD

Summary

Introduction

Thousands of people report to hospital emergency departments for trampoline related injuries [1,2,3] Out of all these injuries, 8 to 12% are spinal injuries and of those injuries, approximately 5% result in permanent damage to the patient’s neurological functions [2,4]. The kinematic data was applied to an Forensic Biomechanics ISSN:2090-2697 JFB, an open access journal Rebound devices such as trampolines are associated with catastrophic spinal cord injuries. Cadaveric studies have reported thresholds for injuries that can be applied to the case of failed acrobatics such as backward somersaults. It remains unclear whether falls on rebound surfaces should be expected to cause neurological injuries in the majority of cases or only in unfortunate exceptions. The threshold of neighbouring spinal units was reported as being slightly higher in flexion moment as shown in Table 1, while other stress types were comparable

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