Identification and classification of vertebral fractures following emergency capsule egress from military aircraft.

This paper deals with systematically classifying the type, level, and severity of traumatic lesions to the spinal column associated with the crew module escape system. Its objectives are to describe characteristic spinal injury encountered in the crew escape module and to shed additional light on the pathomechanics and dynamics of spinal column damage. An analysis of this type is necessary for complete understanding of the clinical, roentgenographic, and pathological findings. Knowledge of the orthopaedic biomechanics of injury is required before the factors responsible for spinal injury are identified and meaningful corrective actions are taken.