Which of the following mechanisms accounts for about 35%-40% of spinal cord injuries?

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for approximately 35%-40% of such cases. This figure reflects the severity and frequency of incidents involving vehicles, where the forces involved can result in significant trauma to the spine. In these collisions, the impact can lead directly to vertebral fractures or dislocations, which potentially compromise the spinal cord function.

The specific mechanics of a collision, such as sudden stops, high speeds, and the involvement of multiple vehicles, contribute to the likelihood of sustaining severe spinal injuries. This makes understanding the dynamics of vehicle crashes crucial for paramedics and other first responders, especially when assessing trauma victims. The nature of the injuries from automotive incidents often requires immediate and comprehensive medical attention to reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Other mechanisms, such as acts of violence, falls, and recreational or athletic injuries, also contribute to spinal cord injuries but do not account for as significant a percentage as motor vehicle collisions do. Each mechanism has different contexts and patterns of injury, but the prevalence and destructive potential associated with vehicle collisions place them at the forefront of spinal cord injury statistics.