Evaluation of Pelvic Fracture Tolerance in Side Impact

Effects of Trochanteric Soft Tissues and Bone Density on Fracture of the Female Pelvis in Experimental Side Impacts

“…BMD, on the other hand, did not correlate with impulse. Our overall impulse tolerance of 95.6 N-s was in close agreement with the 100 N-s tolerance reported by Cesari et al 10 E peak , C max , and V C max were observed to be independent of both BMD and T. Increased trochanteric tissue thickness also increased the energy dissipated at fracture, however the relationship was not significant. The compression-based fracture tolerances found using logistic regression appear conservative when compared to previous pendulum and sled impacts of whole cadavers.…”

“…Such microfractures may have affected the impact response of the pelves under subsequent impacts by reducing peak forces and increasing compression levels. The fracture types seen in the present study (e.g., rami and acetabulum) were consistent, however, with those typically observed in experimental side impacts 3,[8][9][10]29 and in motor vehicle crashes. [12][13][14]25 In conclusion, the present results suggest the relative importance of trochanteric soft tissue thickness and bone mineral density on pelvic fracture for women in automotive side impacts.…”

“…9 However, incorporating the BMD value for an 7,10 Our results imply that at 3-kN force tolerance for pelvic fracture force may be an appropriate value for those with an increased risk of fracture due to low bone quality and general frailty. Increases in soft tissue thickness at the greater trochanter attenuated the impacts resulting in increased fracture forces and impulses.…”

“…Tarriere et al 26 Free fall: Full cadaver 62-120 g of pelvic acceleration Cesari et al 10 Cannon: Full cadaver 5 kN force and 100 N-s impulse for females Cesari and Ramet 9 Pendulum: Full cadaver 4.4 kN for the 5th percentile female Bouquet et al 5 Linear hammer: Full cadaver Force = 7.6 kN and VC = 0.62 m/s at 50% probability of AIS ≥ 2 Viano 29 Pendulum: Full cadaver 27% pelvic compression at 25% probability of pelvic fracture Cavanaugh et al 7 Sled: Full cadaver 5.77 kN force tolerance for 5th percentile female Zhu et al 32 Sled: Full cadaver 5 kN "average force" tolerance for 25% probability of AIS ≥ 2…”

“…12,14 Experimental side impacts using cadavers have produced similar fracture patterns. 3,[8][9][10]29 The severity of pelvic fractures is commonly classified according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale 1 (AIS), where closed pelvic fractures with or without dislocation are scored as AIS = 2; while open, displaced, or comminuted fractures are scored AIS = 3.…”