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Modeling mechanisms of skull base injury for drivers in motor vehicle collisions. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2007 Aug;137(2):195-200

Date

08/02/2007

Pubmed ID

17666240

DOI

10.1016/j.otohns.2007.04.005

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-34547110134 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   6 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop biomechanical variable models for driver skull base injury mechanisms in motor vehicle collisions.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database review.

METHODS: Biomechanical collision variables and safety restraint data were analyzed for Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network skull base trauma subjects enrolled during the recruitment period between 1996 and 2005.

RESULTS: For drivers satisfying inclusion criteria (n = 26), injury resulted from contact with rigid vehicle structural elements in 82%, and occurred in 50% despite both seatbelt and air bags. Eight percent used neither seatbelts nor air bags. Seventy-two percent involved vector velocity changes greater than 30 mph. The relative morbidity of skull base injuries was also detailed.

CONCLUSION: The majority of driver skull base injuries resulted from contact with rigid vehicle structural elements in high velocity crashes. Seatbelt and air bag use could not be definitively correlated with skull base injury.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Injury mechanism models can be developed that facilitate further investigations to determine impact and scope on a national scale.

Author List

Grant JR, Rhee JS, Pintar FA, Yoganandan N

Authors

Frank A. Pintar PhD Chair, Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of Wisconsin
John S. Rhee MD Chair, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Narayan Yoganandan PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acceleration
Accidents, Traffic
Air Bags
Automobile Driving
Biomechanical Phenomena
Female
Humans
Male
Pilot Projects
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Seat Belts
Skull Base