Comparison of autopsy, x-ray, and M.R.I. findings following a low speed impact to the shoulder

Hines, Margaret H.; Schmalbrock, Petra; Baker, III, Peter B.; Bolte, IV, John H.

Affiliations

¹Department of Anatomy and Medical Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

²Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

³Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

⁴Division of Biomedical Engineering, Transportation Research Center, Inc., The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Abstract

The objectives of the study was to generate data useful to engineers improving crash test dummies and to physicians in anticipating low speed lateral impact injuries to the shoulder. Constant impact mass, distance and variable speeds were used to generate impact forces. Twelve unembalmed human cadavers were studied within 48 hours of death. Pre-test and Post-test physical, X-Ray, and Magnetic Resonance examinations were completed. X-Ray best identified bone injury, Magnetic Resonance intratendinous and intramuscular pathology and autopsy joint instability. Low speed (3.5-7.0 m/sec) impacts under these testing conditions frequently produce soft tissue and bone injuries. Sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint instabilities were found in 83% of the cadavers. The most frequent bone fractures were in the distal clavicle of 42% and labral or rotator cuff tears in 13% of the cadavers

Cited Works (9)

Year	Entry
1994	Soslowsky LJ, An CH, Johnston SP, Carpenter JE. Geometric and mechanical properties of the coracoacromial ligament and their relationship to rotator cuff diseas. Clin Orthop Relat Res. July 1994;304:10-17.
2000	Bolte JH IV, Hines MH, McFadden JD, Saul RA. Shoulder response characteristics and injury due to lateral glenohumeral joint impacts. Stapp Car Crash J. 2000;44:261-280. SAE 2000-01-SC18.
2000	Iwamoto M, Miki K, Mohammad M, Nayef A, Yang KH, Begeman PC, King AI. Development of a finite element model of the human shoulder. Stapp Car Crash J. 2000;44:281-297. SAE 2000-01-SC19.
1992	Bigliani LU, Pollock RG, Soslowsky LJ, Flatow EL, Pawluk RJ, Mow VC. Tensile properties of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. J Orthop Res. March 1992;10(2):187-197.
2000	Crandall J, Kent R, Patrie J, Fertile J, Martin P. Rib fracture patterns and radiologic detection: a restraint-based comparison. In: 44th Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 2-4, 2000; Chicago, IL.
1990	The Abbreviated Injury Scale-1990 Revision. Des Plaines, IL: Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM); 1990.
1989	Viano DC, Culver CC, Evans L, Frick M, Scott R. Involvement of older drivers in multi-vehicle side impact crashes. In: 33rd Annual Proceedings, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). October 2-4, 1989; Baltimore, MD.337-352.
1997	Pintar FA, Yoganandan N, Hines MH, Maltese MR, McFadden J, Saul R, Eppinger R, Khaewpong N, Kleinberger M. Chestband analysis of human tolerance to side impact. In: Proceedings of the 41st Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 13-14, 1997; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:63-74. SAE 973320.
1998	Duma SM, Crandall JR, Hurwitz SR, Pilkey WD. Small female upper extremity interaction with a deploying side air bag. In: Proceedings of the 42nd Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 2-4, 1998; Tempa, AZ. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:47-63. SAE 983148.