Head and spinal injuries are common in motor vehicle crashes and
have a significant risk of becoming chronic conditions. Despite
advancements in vehicle safety throughout automotive history,
preventing MVA-related head and spinal injuries remains a
considerable challenge despite the use of well-designed and
properly functioning restraint systems, such as seatbelts, head
restraints, and airbags.
The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy clinical commentary expands on injury
mechanisms during MVA and a host of factors that increase the
injury risk, including occupant characteristics, pre-MVA factors,
and MVA-related factors.
Understanding Injury Mechanisms
Head and spinal injuries during MVAs are caused by blunt impact and/or
inertial forces. It is helpful in presenting a case to understand
these mechanisms, and to be able to demonstrate the dynamic loads
and motions experienced by occupants, including the magnitude,
direction, and timing of these
