Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine receive $4.5M grant to study neck injuries

CHARLOTTE –  Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have received a three-year, $4.5 million grant from the Department of Defense to study cervical spine injuries in military personnel. Musculoskeletal injuries, such as those that occur to the cervical spine (neck), are problematic for military personnel. This is especially true for military personnel who must perform missions in demanding environments with head-supported mass. This head-supported mass includes the baseline protective helmet, communications, specialized night vision technology and other attachments. “These injuries can lead to a significant number of lost-duty days and disability, which impacts military readiness,” said Timothy Sell, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, director of the Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute’s Performance Center and principal investigator of the study. According to Sell, special forces combat soldiers, who typically wear heavy equipment while participating in high-acceleration events such as parachute jumps, are susceptible to these types of injuries. “Our goal is to analyze the design features of head-supported mass and identify risk factors to reduce the risk of injury and chronic neck pain,” Sell said. The latest study is a continuation of research led by Sell to explore the frequency of cervical spine issues...