The objective of the study was to determine lateral impact-induced three-dimensional temporal head center of gravity linear and angular accelerations, and craniocervical forces and moments from post mortem human subject (PMHS) sled tests and compare with the European side impact dummy, ES-II, responses. Anthropometrical data were obtained and x-rays were taken. Specimens were seated on a sled, restrained using belts, and lateral impact acceleration was applied. Injuries to craniocervical structures were identified using pre- and posttest radiography and computed tomography. A similar testing protocol with the exception of biological evaluations was adopted for ES-II dummy tests. Lateral head linear accelerations were lower in the dummy than PMHS. Head rotational accelerations were suggestive of mild traumatic brain injury with potential for loss of consciousness during in vivo situations. Forces and moments at the craniocervical junction were lower in the dummy than PMHS with injuries confining to soft tissue structures. Relatively severe lateral impact pulse produces minor craniocervical trauma.
Keywords:
biomechanics; injuries; side impact; head and neck