Low energy impact (LEI)-induced hip fractures are a growing problem, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate modelling of such fractures could assist in developing preventive measures and mitigating incidences. Human body models open up new possibilities for computer modelling of such scenarios, allowing whole-body fall and impact simulations. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the LEI performance of THUMS V502 and to investigate the impact-induced proximal femur loads. Initially, the model performance was tested and verified for the primary musculoskeletal performance, fall kinematics and impact behaviour. Using the verified model, various fall configurations, reported in observational studies, were simulated applying different muscle contractions patterns. Subsequently, simulation results were analysed regarding the whole-body kinematics, proximal femur loads, and the influence of muscle activations. Overall, simulations showed comparable results with the available literature. In summary, THUMS V502 enables a detailed investigation of LEI fall-induced femoral loads, including realistic fall kinematics, impact behaviour and muscle activations.
Keywords:
Active Muscles; Fall Kinematics; Human Body Modelling; Low Energy Impact Falls; Proximal Femur Loads