FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF HEAD-NECK RESPONSES DURING WHIPLASH

Abstract

A detailed three-dimensional head-neck (C0–C7) finite element (FE) model developed previously based on the actual geometry of a cadaveric specimen was used to characterize the whiplash phenomenon of the head-neck region during rear-end collision. A maximum rear impact pulse of 8.5 G of acceleration was applied to C7. The effects of a headrest on the responses of head-neck complex were also discussed. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the current C0–C7 FE model in characterizing the gross responses of human cervical spine under whiplash. The results showed that during whiplash, the lower cervical levels, especially the C6–C7, experience hyperextension in the early phase of acceleration. The whole cervical spine is at risk of extension injuries rather than flexion injuries in whiplash. The use of a proper headrest can effectively reduce the cervical spine from extension injury during the acceleration phase of cervical spine in whiplash.