AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is a mechanism of injury (MOI) most associated with positive spinal cord injuries?

1. High-speed motor collision

2. Low-speed falls

3. Bicycle accidents

4. Sports injuries

The correct answer is: High-speed motor collision

High-speed motor collisions are recognized as a primary mechanism of injury associated with positive spinal cord injuries due to the significant forces exerted on the body during such events. In these scenarios, the impact can lead to severe trauma to the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine, resulting in damage to the spinal cord. This damage can occur from direct injury to the vertebrae, which may fracture or dislocate, or from secondary injuries caused by the displacement of spinal structures. High-speed collisions often involve high energy transfer, resulting in greater potential for spinal cord compromise, including contusion, compressive, or even complete transection injuries. The risks are particularly amplified when the occupant is not restrained or is subjected to violent movements during the crash. In contrast, low-speed falls might not generate sufficient forces to cause the same level of injury to the spinal cord, and many bicycle accidents, while potentially serious, often involve different types of injuries depending on the speed and nature of the accident. Similarly, sports injuries can vary widely in their mechanisms and severity, and many do not always result in spinal cord injuries, especially when safety equipment is used.