Evaluation of ProDisc-C During Low Speed Rear-End Impact: A Full-Body Post Mortem Human Subject Study

INTRODUCTION: The potential for harm following low speed rear-end impact for cervical total disc replacement patients is yet unknown. These are among the most common motor vehicle accidents. With FDA approval and as widespread implantation becomes reality, questions of occupant safety must be addressed. Previous studies have tested the cervical spine using isolated head-neck specimens. Yet, such work does not consider compressive loads developed in the spinal column by straightening of thoracic kyphosis or occupant-seat interactions, thus resulting in altered kinematics and kinetics (Figure 1). This study is the first to test full body post mortem human subjects (PMHS) under low speed rear-end impacts for cervical response in the orthopaedic literature, per the authors’ knowledge.