This paper explores the potential for developing improved thoracic injury criteria using data derived from experiments using the chest band. The chest band is both a sensing device and an analytical process that determines the cross-sectional geometry of an object about which it is wrapped. In the process of determining the geometric shape of the object, the chest band process also provides both the local curvature and the time rate of change of the curvature of the object’s peripheral surface, Thus the time histories of these variables at both fracture and non-fracture sites can be documented. A discussion of the rationale and the methodology for relating local curvature and other factors with thoracic skeletal injury is provided. Additionally, the rationale and processes of using the derived time varying contours from the chestband to establish the extent of internal thoracic injury are also explored by using a simplified finite element model of the chest. This model is a one-inch thick viscoelastic material in the shape of the measured thoracic contour. It is stimulated by using the time varying external contours obtained from the chestband as the inputs to calculate the stress and strain distribution throughout the model. Initial analysis indicates that the stresses and strains internal to the body are produced not only by the deformation of the periphery but are also influenced by the inertial conditions to which the entire body is exposed while being deformed.