• Cielo T
• Bourguignon J

• Accidents, Traffic
• American Medical Association
• Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
• Guidelines
• Movement
• Subluxation / diagnostic imaging
• Translational Research, Biomedical

Introduction: Motor vehicle accidents play a significant role in the biomechanical changes leading to vertebral subluxation. The sudden and exaggerated translational movement of cervical vertebrae, often resulting from such accidents, can disrupt normal spinal alignment and contribute to nervous interference and ligamentous damage, which are key factors in vertebral subluxation. 

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between translational movement of cervical vertebrae and motor vehicle trauma, determine whether specific patterns of translational movement within the cervical spine are correlated with the severity and outcomes of such trauma, and enhance our understanding of cervical spine injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents by utilizing advanced imaging and clinical assessments.

Methods: This retrospective chart review included 7500 patient charts who met inclusion criteria. Lines of mensuration biomechanical analysis were utilized in quantification of translation of vertebral motion in accordance with the American Medical Association (A.M.A.) guides to permanent impairment. 

Results: The analysis revealed significant patterns of cervical vertebral translation with the most pronounced occurring at the C3-C4 and C4-C5 levels. These movements were strongly correlated with ligamentous laxity, foraminal encroachment, and neurological symptoms such as radiculopathy. The extent of vertebral translation was found to increase with the severity of the trauma, highlighting a direct relationship between the degree of ligamentous injury and the magnitude of vertebral displacement

Conclusion: Sudden, involuntary motion resulting from motor vehicle accidents can lead to significant ligamentous injuries that allow for vertebral translation resulting in vertebral subluxation as determined by advanced imaging techniques and biomechanical analysis.

Keywords: translational movement, cervical vertebrae, vertebral subluxation, motor vehicle trauma, biomechanical analysis, cervical spine injuries, AMA guidelines, chiropractic

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