Effect of Pediatric Growth on Cervical Spine Kinematics and Deformations in Automotive Crashes

Finite element (FE) models are a powerful tool that can be used to understand injury mechanisms and develop better safety systems. This study aims to extend the understanding of pediatric spine biomechanics, where there is a paucity of studies available. A newly developed and continuously scalable FE model was validated and scaled to 1.5-, 3-, 6-, 10-, 14- and 18-year-old using a non-linear scaling technique, accounting for local topological changes. The oldest and youngest ages were also scaled using homogeneous geometric scaling. To study the effect of pediatric spinal growth on head kinematics and intervertebral disc strain, the models were exerted to 3.5g acceleration pulse at the TI vertebra to simulate frontal, rear and side impacts. It was shown that the head rotation increases with age, but is over predicted when geometrically scaling down from 18- to 1.5-year-old and under predicted when geometrically scaling up from 1.5- to 18-year-old. The strain in the disc, however, showed a clear decrease with age in side impact and for the upper cervical spine in rear impact, indicating a higher susceptibility for neck injury at younger ages. In the frontal impact, no clear age dependence could be seen, suggesting a large contribution from changed facet joint angles, and lower levels of strain, suggesting a lower risk of injury. The results also highlight the benefit of rearward facing children in a seat limiting head lateral motion.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.01.038
• Record URL:
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021929018300757
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00219290
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Alvarez, Victor S
  • Kleiven, Svein
• Publication Date: 2018-4-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 76-83
• Serial:
  • Journal of Biomechanics
  • Volume: 71
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0021-9290
  • Serial URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00219290

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age groups; Biophysics; Children; Crash characteristics; Crash injuries; Crash victim simulation; Risk assessment; Spinal column
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01706531
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 28 2019 4:52PM