Citation

Loeversund P, Nygren A, Salen B, Tingvall C. Proc. IRCOBI 1988; 16: 319-325.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Neck injuries occurring in traffic accidents, which are sometimes called whip-lash injuries and then classified as abbreviated injury scale (AIS) 1, are often regarded as minor injuries. Related to the mortality risk, this is a true assessment, but it has been shown by Nygren that there is a considerable risk that such injuries will lead to permanent medical disability. One-third of all injuries with permanent disability are neck injuries. This risk has been found to exist for both children and adults. It is therefore important that the occurrence of neck injuries be thoroughly analyzed. Neck injuries classified as AIS 1 often occur in rear end collisions and it has been shown that the most common injury in rear end collisions is a neck injury. The only known passive safety measure aimed at reducing the risk of neck injuries in rear end collisions is the head rest. Such devices have been found to reduce injuries to a definite but small extent, which varies between different car models and designs. One factor that has been proved important is the height of the head rest. The aim of this study was to compare front and rear seat occupants with respect to the incidence of neck injuries (AIS 1) in rear end collisions and to relate any differences to some simple characteristics of the occupants and the vehicles.