Hi Snowy,
On the 9th September 2011 I had a motorcycle accident while on an Adventure Bike ride after leaving Goodooga NSW on the dirt towards Bourke. I was wearing a Leatt Neck Brace but basically face planted into ground with sufficient force (80 to 100 kmph) that I was knocked out for two days and have no memory of the crash. I was taken by Ambulance to Lightning Ridge NSW and then by Royal Flying Doctor to Dubbo for further assessment. There were no eye witnesses to the accident as my riding partner was to far away from me , but the general consensus was that I as I went into a bull dust hole the front wheel was caught, causing me to basically go over that handle bars and head first into the ground.
Despite being knocked out, I had only soft tissue damage including some rib cartilage adjacent to my spine. This was described in my medical report as and I quote ” Log Roll – complaining of pain to lower thoracic region, not clearly to midline. No focal midline tenderness to back on multiple palpations, saddle sensation intact.” I cannot honestly say that this was caused by the base of the Leatt brace being forced into my back or a stray rock though.
A secondary survey showed that I had a mild bruise to my left forehead. This is consistent with the marks on my helmet (which I still have but now not in use). Regarding my back it noted ” no midline tenderness, but again complained of non-specific “muscular” lumbosacral level pain”.
Given the speed and direction of impact, my head would have effectively been snapped back, so I am of the belief that the neck brace protected me from a more serious neck injury. I had no pain or neck issues directly after the accident, nor any ongoing issues. I also wear other safety gear including, Asterisk Knee Braces, Body Armour, Dri Rider Rally Pro jacket, pants and gloves and SIDI Crossfire boots.
As you can see I am a believer in trying to ensure that I do not hyper extend any body parts be they my knees, neck or ankles. I do not even notice the neck brace now and have ridden 1680 km in 18 hours with it on. It also proved an asset in high cross winds when my helmet was being buffeted. I hunched down so the helmet sat on top of the brace.
Hope this assists with your paper.
Mike
