Crash attributes that influence aortic injuries in near-side crashes

Augenstein, Jeffrey; Digges, Kennerly; Steps, Jessica; Higuchi, Kazuo; Ato, Tadayuki

Affiliations

¹William Lehman Injury Research Center, University of Miami

²National Crash Analysis Center, The George Washington University, United States of America

Abstract

NASS, CIREN and WLIRC cases are examined to determine the factors that influence aortic tear. In addition to a qualitative evaluation of cases, regression analysis is performed to determine which factors are predictive of aortic tear. Occupant factors such as age, restraint status and seat location are considered along with crash characteristics such as intrusion, delta-v, crush, damage location, and striking vehicle class.

Age, delta-v and intrusion have been confirmed predictors of aortic tear. In addition, damage to the struck vehicle, beginning forward of the A-pillar, is a statistically significant predictor. Occupants in noncatastrophic crashes with damage patterns that include the front 2/3 of the vehicle are more than twice as likely to sustain aortic tear as occupants in vehicles that do not exhibit that damage pattern. This is significant as it can be used as an on-scene indicator of a possible aortic injury, allowing for better triage.

Links

URL: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv18/CD/Files/18ESV-000232.pdf

Cited Works (2)

Year	Entry
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Cited By (2)

Year	Entry
2011	Digges K, Augenstein J, Hardy W, Cavanaugh J, Jermakian JS, Echemendia C, Shah C. Measurement of aortic injuries in lower severity near-side impacts. In: Proceedings of the 22nd International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 13-16, 2011; Washington, DC.
2014	Tahan FJ. An Integrated Approach to Identify Thoracic Injuries in Rollover Crashes [PhD thesis]. Washington, DC: The George Washington University; January 31, 2014.