Which of the following mechanisms of injury is least likely to cause damage to the spinal cord?

Lateral stress is considered the least likely mechanism of injury to cause damage to the spinal cord. This type of force typically affects the vertebral bodies and surrounding structures more than it directly impacts the spinal cord itself. Unlike hyperextension, hyperflexion, and compression, which can result in significant displacement or injury to the spinal cord due to direct forces acting upon it, lateral stress does not usually create the same level of risk for spinal cord injury.

In mechanisms like hyperextension and hyperflexion, the spinal cord can be stretched or compressed, leading to direct injury or secondary effects like edema. Compression injuries can involve significant axial loading, which can lead to fractures and potential injury to the spinal cord. In contrast, while lateral stress may result in intervertebral disc injury or vertebral fractures, it does not impose the same degree of pressure on the spinal cord, making it less likely to cause severe damage. This distinction is critical for understanding the mechanisms of spinal injuries and their potential impacts.