The first objective of this study is to present an overview of the human cadaver studies aimed to determine the biomechanics of the head-neck in a simulated rear crash. The need for kinematic studies to better understand the mechanisms of load transfer to the human head-neck complex is emphasized. A methodology is developed to delineate the dynamic kinematics of the human head-neck complex. Intact human cadaver head-neck complexes were subjected to postero-anterior impact using a mini-sled pendulum device. Initial findings indicated that the head-neck complex undergoes a transient reverse curvature during the loading process of the rear impact pulse resulting in a head to upper cervical spine flexion with a concomitant extension in the lower cervical spine. Another finding is that the cervical spine facet joints undergo varying compression and sliding kinematics during the loading phase of the rear impact pulse resulting in a pinching mechanism around the posterior regions of the facet joint. The biomechanical kinematic findings may be correlated to the presence of headaches and neck pain, based on the unique human head-neck anatomy at the upper cervical spine region and the associated facet joint characteristics, and clinical studies.
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