What trauma would be induced from #2?

• A. Left Lateral Strain
• B. Right Torsion
• C. Left Torsion
• D. Superior Vertical Strain

Answer: (C)

In cranial strains, a torsion pattern means the sphenoid and occiput rotate in opposite directions about the sphenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS) axis. A left torsion specifically has the sphenoid rotating to the left while the occiput rotates to the right. So a trauma that twists the head so the left side leads would produce this left torsional pattern.

That’s why left torsion is the best answer here: the mechanism would cause opposite rotations of the two cranial bones about the SBS axis, with the sphenoid turning left and the occiput turning right. The other patterns arise from different directional forces—right torsion is the mirror opposite, left lateral strain involves lateral shear without the opposing rotation about the SBS axis, and superior vertical strain involves vertical separation with both bones moving in the same general vertical direction rather than opposite rotations.