Skip to main content

Injury Mechanisms in Traffic Accidents

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Human Motion

Abstract

This chapter aims to describe and explain current understandings of injury mechanisms in motor vehicle crashes. The following sections are organized according to anatomical regions and associated injuries. This chapter was limited to discussing mechanisms of severe and/or fatal injuries. Real-world injury biomechanics and injury forensics studies play an essential role that impels new developments in vehicle design and safety enhancements. The science of impact mechanics aims to explain injury mechanisms, characterize biomechanical systems, estimate injury risk, and analyze approaches to injury prevention. The intent of this chapter is to review current understandings of injury mechanisms common in traffic crashes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Allen B Jr, Ferguson R, Lehmann TR, O’brien RP (1982) A mechanistic classification of closed, indirect fractures and dislocations of the lower cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 7:1–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson PA, Henley MB, Rivara FP, Maier R V (1991) Flexion distraction and chance injuries to the thoracolumbar spine. J Orthop Trauma 5:153–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson RWG, Brown CJ, Blumbergs PC et al (2003) Impact mechanics and axonal injury in a sheep model. J Neurotrauma 20:961–974. https://doi.org/10.1089/089771503770195812

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anuta PE (1970) Spatial registration of multispectral and multitemporal digital imagery using fast Fourier transform techniques. IEEE Trans Geosci Electron 8:353–368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atkinson P, Atkinson T, Haut R, Eusebi C, Maripudi V, Hill T, Sambatur K (1998) Development of injury criteria for human surrogates to address current trends in knee-to-instrument panel injuries (No. 983146). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Augenstein J, Diggs K (2003) Performance of advanced air bags based on data William Lehman Injury Research Center and new NASS PSUs. Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 47:99–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Augenstein J, Perdeck E, Martin P et al (2000) Injuries to restrained occupants in far-side crashes. Ann Adv Automot Med 44:57–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball ST, Vaccaro AR, Albert TJ (2000) Injuries of the thoracolumbar spine associated with restraint use in head-on motor vehicle accidents. Spinal Disord 13:297–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balogh ZJ, Offner PJ, Moore EE, Biffl WL (2000) NISS predicts postinjury multiple organ failure better than the ISS. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 48:624–628

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balogh ZJ, Varga E, Tomka J et al (2003) The new injury severity score is a better predictor of extended hospitalization and intensive care unit admission than the injury severity score in patients with multiple orthopaedic injuries. J Orthop Trauma 17:508–512. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005131-200308000-00006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Banglmaier RF, Rouhana SW, Beillas P, Yang KH (2003) Lower extremity injuries in lateral impact: a retrospective study. Ann Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 47:425–444

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnsley L, Lord S, Wallis B, Bogduk N (1995) The prevalence of chronic cervical zygapophysial joint pain after whiplash. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 20:20–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baudrit P, Trosseille X (2015) Proposed method for development of small female and midsize male thorax dynamic response corridors in side and forward oblique impact tests. Stapp Car Crash J 59:177–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Baur P, Lange W, Messner G et al (2000) Comparison of real world side impact/rollover collisions with and without thorax airbag/head protection system: a first field experience study. Ann Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 44:187–201

    Google Scholar 

  • Begeman PC, King AI, Prasad P (1973) Spinal loads resulting from -Gx acceleration. In: Proceedings of the 17th stapp car crash conference, Coronado, CA, pp 343–360

    Google Scholar 

  • Begonia MT, Dallas M, Vizcarra B et al (2015) Non-contact strain measurement in the mouse forearm loading model using digital image correlation (DIC). Bone 81:593–601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2015.09.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bergen GS, Chen LH, Warner M (2008) Injury in the United States; 2007 chartbook

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertrand S, Cuny S, Petit P et al (2008) Traumatic rupture of thoracic aorta in real-world motor vehicle crashes. Traffic Inj Prev 9:153–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/15389580701775777

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogduk N, Marsland A (1988) The cervical zygapophysial joints as a source of neck pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 13:610–617

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bouquet R, Ramet M, Bermond F et al (1998) Pelvis human response to lateral impact. In: Proceedings of the 16th international technical conference on the enhanced safety of vehicles, Windsor, pp 1665–1686

    Google Scholar 

  • Burgess AR, Eastridge BJ, Young JWR, Ellison TS, Ellison Jr PS, Poka A, et al (1990) Pelvic ring disruptions: effective classification system and treatment protocols. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 30:848–856

    Google Scholar 

  • Cammack K, Rapport RL, Paul J, Baird WC (1959) Deceleration injuries of the thoracic aorta. AMA Arch Surg 79:244–251. https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1959.04320080080010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Hogg-Johnson S et al (2009) Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD). Results of the bone and joint decade 2000-2010 Task force on neck pain and its associated disorders. J Manip Physiol Ther 32:S97–S107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.11.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cavanaugh JM, Yoganandan NA (2015) Thorax injury biomechanics. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 332–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavanaugh JM, Walilko TJ, Malhotra A, Zhu Y, King AI (1990) Biomechanical response and injury tolerance of the pelvis in twelve sled side impacts (No. 902305). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Chance GQ (1948) Note on a type of flexion fracture of the spine. Br J Radiol 21:452

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chancey VC, Nightingale RW, C a VE et al (2003) Improved estimation of human neck tensile tolerance: reducing the range of reported tolerance using anthropometrically correct muscles and optimized physiologic initial conditions. Stapp Car Crash J 47:135–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang C-Y, Rupp JD, Kikuchi N, Schneider LW (2008) Development of a finite element model to study the effects of muscle forces on knee-thigh-hip injuries in frontal crashes. Stapp Car Crash J 52:475

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng R, Yang KH, Levine RS, King AI, Morgan R (1982) Injuries to the cervical spine caused by distributed frontal load to the chest. SAE Paper #821155

    Google Scholar 

  • Chu TC, Ranson WF, Sutton MA (1985) Applications of digital-image-correlation techniques to experimental mechanics. Exp Mech 25:232–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crandall J, Martin P, Bass C et al. (1996) Foot and ankle injury: the roles of driver anthropometry, footwear, and pedal controls. Paper presented at: 40th Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of AutomotiveMedicine

    Google Scholar 

  • Culver RH, Bender M, Melvin JW (1978) Mechanisms, tolerances, and responses obtained under dynamic superior-inferior head impact. Ann Arbor 7:103

    Google Scholar 

  • Danelson KA, Kemper AR, Mason MJ et al (2015) Comparison of ATD to PMHS Response in the under-body blast environment. Stapp Car Crash J 59:445–520

    Google Scholar 

  • Davceva N, Janevska V, Ilievski B et al (2012) The occurrence of acute subdural haematoma and diffuse axonal injury as two typical acceleration injuries. J Forensic Legal Med 19:480–484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2012.04.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deng B, Begeman PC, Yang KH et al (2000) Kinematics of human cadaver cervical spine during low speed rear-end impacts. Stapp Car Crash J 44:171–188

    Google Scholar 

  • Depreitere B, Van Lierde C, Vander SJ et al (2006) Mechanics of acute subdural hematomas resulting from bridging vein rupture. J Neurosurg 104(6):950. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.2006.104.6.950

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eastridge BJ, Burgess AR (1997) Pedestrian pelvic fractures: 5-year experience of a major urban trauma center. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 42:695–700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fice JB, Cronin DS (2012) Investigation of whiplash injuries in the upper cervical spine using a detailed neck model. J Biomech 45:1098–1102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.01.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foreman JL, Joodaki H, Forghani A et al (2015) Whole-body response for pedestrian impact with a generic sedan buck. Stapp Car Crash J 59:401–444

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster CD, Hardy WN, Yang KH et al (2006) High-speed seatbelt pretensioner loading of the abdomen. Stapp Car Crash J 50:27–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Funk JR, Crandall JR, Tourret LJ, MacMahon CB, Bass CR, Khaewpong N, Eppinger RH (2001) The effect of active muscle tension on the axial injury tolerance of the human foot/ankle complex (No. 2001-06-0074). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Funk JR, Srinivasan SCM, Crandall JR et al (2002) The effects of axial preload and dorsiflexion on the tolerance of the ankle/subtalar joint to dynamic inversion and eversion. Stapp Car Crash J 46:245–265. doi:2002-22-0013 [pii]

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabbe BJ, De Steiger R, Esser M et al (2011) Predictors of mortality following severe pelvic ring fracture: results of a population-based study. Injury 42:985–991

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gabler HC, Weaver AA, Stitzel JD (2015) Automotive field data in injury. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 33–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Gennarelli TA, Thibault LE (1982) Biomechanics of acute subdural hematoma. J Trauma 22:680–686

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gertzbein SD, Court-Brown CM (1988) Flexion-distraction injuries of the lumbar spine. Clin Orthop Relat Res 227:52–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Gokcen EC, Burgess AR, Siegel JH et al (1994) Pelvic fracture mechanism of injury in vehicular trauma patients. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 36:789–796

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green DA, Green NE, Spengler DM, Devito DP (1991) Flexion-distraction injuries to the lumbar spine associated with abdominal injuries. J Spinal Disord Tech 4:312–318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gurdjian ES, Webster JE, LH R (1955) Observations on the mechanism of brain concussion, contusion, and laceration. Surg Gynecol Obstet 101:680–690

    Google Scholar 

  • Haagsma JA, Graetz N, Bolliger I et al (2016) The global burden of injury: incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and time trends from the Global Burden of Disease study 2013. Inj Prev 22:3–18. https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2015-041616

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haffner MP, Sances S, Kumaresan S et al (1996) Response of human lower thorax to impact. Ann Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 40:33–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardy WN, Foster CD, Mason MJ, Yang KH, King AI, Tashman S (2001) Investigation of head injury mechanisms using neutral density technology and high-speed biplanar x-ray. Stapp Car Crash J 45:337–368

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardy WN, Shah CS, Kopacz JM et al (2006) Study of potential mechanisms of traumatic rupture of the aorta using insitu experiments. Stapp Car Crash J 50:247–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardy WN, Shah CS, Mason MJ et al (2008) Mechanisms of traumatic rupture of the aorta and associated peri-isthmic motion and deformation. Stapp Car Crash J 52:233–265. doi:2008-22-0010 [pii]

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardy WN, Howes MK, Kemper AR, Rouhana SW (2015) Impact and injury response of the abdomen. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 373–434

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcombe S, Kohoyda-Inglis C, Wang L et al (2011) Patterns of acetabular femoral head coverage. Stapp Car Crash J 55:479–490

    Google Scholar 

  • Ivarsson BJ, Kerrigan JR, Lessley DJ, Drinkwater DC, Kam CY, Murphy DB, … Kent RW (2005) Dynamic response corridors of the human thigh and leg in non-midpoint three-point bending (No. 2005-01-0305). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Ivarsson BJ, Genovese D, Crandall JR et al (2009) The tolerance of the femoral shaft in combined axial compression and bending loading. Stapp Car Crash J 53:251

    Google Scholar 

  • Jefferson G (1919) Fracture of the atlas vertebra. Report of four cases, and a review of those previously recorded. Br J Surg 7:407–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katyal D, McLellan BA, Brenneman FD et al (1997) Lateral impact motor vehicle collisions: significant cause of blunt traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta. J Trauma 42:769–772

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kauvar DS, Wade CE (2005) The epidemiology and modern management of traumatic hemorrhage: US and international perspectives. Crit Care 9(Suppl 5):S1–S9. https://doi.org/10.1186/cc3779

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kemper AR, McNally C, E a K et al (2008) The influence of arm position on thoracic response in side impacts. Stapp Car Crash J 52:379–420. https://doi.org/10.4271/811007

    Google Scholar 

  • Kerrigan JR, Drinkwater DC, Kam CY et al (2004) Tolerance of the human leg and thigh in dynamic latero-medial bending. Int J Crashworthiness 9:607–623

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King AI (2001) Fundamentals of impact biomechanics: part 2-biomechanics of the abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 3:27–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King AI (2015) Introduction to and applications of injury biomechanics. In: Narayan Y, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 7–14

    Google Scholar 

  • King AI, Yang KH (1995) Research in biomechanics of occupant protection. J Trauma 38:570–576

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirk A, Morris A (2003) Side airbag deployments in the UK – initial case reviews. In: Proceedings of the 18th international technical conference on enhanced safety of vehicles. Nagoya, pp 1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Klinich KD, Flannagan CAC, Nicholson K et al (2010) Factors associated with abdominal injury in frontal, farside, and nearside crashes. Stapp Car Crash J 54:73–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroell CK, Pope ME, Viano DC et al (1981) Interrelationship of velocity and chest compression in blunt thoracic impact. In: 25th Stapp car crash conference proceedings. SAE Technical Paper 811016, Warrendale, PA, pp 547–580

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroell C, Allen SD, Warner CY, Perl T (1986) Interrelatinoship of velocity and chest compression in blunt thoracic impact to Swine II. In: 30th Stapp car crash conference proceedings SAE Technical Paper 861881, Warrendale, PA, pp 99–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuppa S, Wang J, Haffner M, Eppinger R (2001) Lower extremity injuries and associated injury criteria. In 17th ESV Conference, Paper (No. 457)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuppa S, Fessahaie O et al (2003) An overview of knee-thigh-hip injuries in frontal crashes in the United States. Natl Highw Traffic Saf Adm ISSI. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004

  • Lamielle S, Vezin P, Verriest JP et al (2008) 3D deformation and dynamics of the human cadaver abdomen under seatbelt loading. Stapp Car Crash J 52:267

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee BB, Cripps RA, Fitzharris M, Wing PC (2014) The global map for traumatic spinal cord injury epidemiology: update 2011, global incidence rate. Spinal Cord 52:110–116. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2012.158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • LeGay DA, Petrie DP, Alexander DI (1990) Flexion-distraction injuries of the lumbar spine and associated abdominal trauma. J Trauma 30:436–444

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leitgeb J, Mauritz W, Brazinova A et al (2012) Outcome after severe brain trauma due to acute subdural hematoma. J Neurosurg 117:324–333. https://doi.org/10.3171/2012.4.JNS111448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lessley DJ, Riley P, Zhang Q et al (2014) Occupant kinematics in laboratory rollover tests: PMHS response. Stapp Car Crash J 58:251

    Google Scholar 

  • Leucht P, Fischer K, Muhr G, Mueller EJ (2009) Epidemiology of traumatic spine fractures. Injury 40:166–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2008.06.040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linnau KF, Blackmore CC, Kaufman R et al (2007) Do initial radiographs agree with crash site mechanism of injury in pelvic ring disruptions? A pilot study. J Orthop Trauma 21:375–380

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu Y, Chen C, Kallakuri S et al (2005) Neurophysiological and biomechanical characterization of goat cervical facet joint capsules. J Orthop Res 23:779–787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orthres.2005.01.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manson T, O’Toole RV, Whitney A et al (2010) Young-Burgess classification of pelvic ring fractures: does it predict mortality, transfusion requirements, and non-orthopaedic injuries? J Orthop Trauma 24:603–609

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markham DE (1972) Anterior dislocation of the hip and diastasis of the contralateral sacro-iliac joint – the rear-seat passenger’s injury? Br J Surg 59:296–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Masson C, Baque P, Brunet C (2005) Quasi-static compression of the human pelvis: an experimental study. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 8:191–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matsui Y, Oikawa S (2015) Risks of serious injuries and fatalities of cyclists associated with impact velocities of cars in car-cyclist accidents in Japan. Stapp Car Crash J 59:385–400

    Google Scholar 

  • McCormick N, Lord J (2010) Digital image correlation. Mater Today 13:52–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1369-7021(10)70235-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKay BJ, Bir CA (2009) Lower extremity injury criteria for evaluating military vehicle occupant injury in underbelly blast events. Stapp Car Crash J 53:229–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Melvin JW, Stalnaker RL, Roberts VL, Trollope ML (1973) Impact injury mechanisms in abdominal organs. In: 17th Stapp car crash conference. Society of Automotive Engineers, Oklahoma City

    Google Scholar 

  • Mertz HJ (1993) Anthropomorphic test devices. In: Accidental injury. Springer, New York, pp 66–84

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Middleton JW, Dayton A, Walsh J et al (2012) Life expectancy after spinal cord injury: a 50-year study. Spinal Cord 50:803–811

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller M (1989) The biomechanical response of the lower abdomen to belt restraint loading. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 29:1571–1584

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molz FJI V, George PD, Go LS et al (1997) Simulated automotive side impact on the isolated human pelvis: Phase I: development of a containment device. Phase II: analysis of pubic symphysis motion and overall pelvic compression. In: Stapp car crash conference proceedings, Warrendale, PA, pp 75–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris A, Thomas P, Taylor AM, Wallace WA (1997) Mechanisms of fracture in ankle and hind-foot injuries to front seat car occupants- an in-depth accident data analysis. Stapp Car Crash Conf 41:181–192. https://doi.org/10.4271/973328

    Google Scholar 

  • Myers BS, Winkelstein BA (1995) Epidemiology, classification, mechanism, and tolerance of human cervical spine injuries. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 23(5–6):307–409

    Google Scholar 

  • NHTSA (2005) Federal motor vehicle safety standards; Occupant crash protection. Docket No. NHTSA-04-18726

    Google Scholar 

  • Nightingale RW, McElhaney JH, Richardson WJ et al (1996a) Experimental impact injury to the cervical spine: relating motion of the head and the mechanism of injury. J Bone Jt Surg Am 78:412–421

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nightingale RW, McElhaney JH, Richardson WJ, Myers BS (1996b) Dynamic responses of the head and cervical spine to axial impact loading. J Biomech 29:307–318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nightingale RW, McElhaney JH, Camacho DL, Kleinberger M, Winkelstein BA, Myers BS (1997) The dynamic responses of the cervical spine: buckling, end conditions, and tolerance in compressive impacts (No. 973344). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Nightingale RW, Myers BS, Yoganandan NA (2015) Neck injury biomechanics. In: Yoganandan NA, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 259–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Nirula R, Pintar FA (2008) Identification of vehicle components associated with severe thoracic injury in motor vehicle crashes: a CIREN and NASS analysis. Accid Anal Prev 40:137–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2007.04.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nusholtz GS, Kaiker PS (1986) Pelvic stress. J Biomech 19:1003–1014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nusholtz GS, Melvin JW, Huelke DF, Alem NM, Blank JG (1981) Response of the cervical spine to superiorinferior head impact (No. 811005). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Nusholtz GS, Huelke DE, Lux P, Alem NM, Montalvo F (1983) Cervical spine injury mechanisms (No. 831616). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Ooi CK, Goh HK, Tay SY, Phua DH (2010) Patients with pelvic fracture: what factors are associated with mortality? Int J Emerg Med 3:299–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panzer MB, Fice JB, Cronin DS (2011) Cervical spine response in frontal crash. Med Eng Phys 33:1147–1159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.05.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parr JC, Miller ME, Pellettiere JA, Erich RA (2013) Neck injury criteria formulation and injury risk curves for the ejection environment: a pilot study. Aviat Sp Environ Med 84:1240–1248. https://doi.org/10.3357/ASEM.3722.2013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pennal GF, Tile M, Waddell JP, Garside H (1980) Pelvic disruption: assessment and classification. Clin Orthop Relat Res 151:12–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Petit P, Portier L, Foret-Bruno J-Y et al (1997) Quasistatic characterization of the human foot-ankle joints in a simulated tensed state and updated accidentological data. In: Proceedings of the international research council on the biomechanics of injury conference, Hannover, Germany, pp 363–376

    Google Scholar 

  • Petitjean A, Trosseille X (2011) Statistical simulations to evaluate the methods of the construction of injury risk curves. Stapp Car Crash J 55:411

    Google Scholar 

  • Petitjean A, Trosseille X, Yoganandan N, Pintar FA (2015) Normalization and scaling for human response corridors and development of injury risk curves. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin J (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 769–792

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrisor BA, Bhandari M (2005) (i) Injuries to the pelvic ring: Incidence, classification, associated injuries and mortality rates. Curr Orthop 19:327–333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pintar FA, Yoganandan N, Voo L, Cusick JF, Maiman DJ, Sances A (1995) Dynamic characteristics of the human cervical spine (No. 952722). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Pintar FA, Yoganandan NA, Voo L (1998) Effect of age and loading rate on human cervical spine injury threshold. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 23:1957–1962

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pintar FA, Yoganandan NA, Maiman DJ et al (2012) Thoracolumbar spine fractures in frontal impact crashes. Ann Adv Automot Med 56:277–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Powell WR, Ojala SJ, Advani SH, Martin RB (1975) Cadaver femur responses to longitudinal impacts (No. 751160). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Rabl W, Haid C, Krismer M (1996) Biomechanical properties of the human tibia: fracture behavior and morphology. Forensic Sci Int 83:39–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson A, Branfoot T, Barlow IF, Giannoudis PV (2002a) Spinal injury patterns resulting from car and motorcycle accidents. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 27:2825–2830. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.BRS.0000035686.45726.0E

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson A, Giannoudis P V, Branfoot T et al (2002b) Spinal injuries in motorcycle crashes: patterns and outcomes. J Trauma 53:5–8. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200207000-00002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rouhana SW, Lau IV, Ridella SA (1985) Influence of velocity and forced compression on the severity of abdominal injury in blunt, nonpenetrating lateral impact. J Trauma 25:490–500

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rudd R, Crandall J, Millington S et al (2004) Injury tolerance and response of the ankle joint in dynamic dorsiflexion. Stapp Car Crash J 48:1–26. doi:2004-22-0001 [pii]

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupp JD (2006) Biomechanics of hip fractures in frontal motor vehicle crashes. Phdthesis, PhD dissertation, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupp JD (2015) Knee, thigh, and hip injury biomechanics. In: Yoganandan NA, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 471–497

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupp JD, Reed MP, Van Ee CA et al (2002) The tolerance of the human hip to dynamic knee loading. In: 46th Stapp car crash conference, Ponte Verdra Beach, FL

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupp JD, Reed MP, Jeffreys TA, Schneider LW (2003) Effects of hip posture on the frontal impact tolerance of the human hip joint. Stapp Car Crash J 47:21

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupp JD, Miller CS, Reed MP et al (2008) Characterization of knee-thigh-hip response in frontal impacts using biomechanical testing and computational simulations. Stapp Car Crash J 52:421

    Google Scholar 

  • Salzar RS, “Dale” Bass CR, Kent R et al (2006) Development of injury criteria for pelvic fracture in frontal crashes. Traffic Inj Prev 7:299–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salzar RS, Lievers BW, Bailey AM, Crandall JR (2015) Leg, foot, and ankle injury biomechanics. In: Yoganandan NA, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 499–547

    Google Scholar 

  • Santschi M, Echavé V, Laflamme S et al (2005) Seat-belt injuries in children involved in motor vehicle crashes. Can J Surg 48:373–376

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiff MA, Tencer AF, Mack CD (2008) Risk factors for pelvic fractures in lateral impact motor vehicle crashes. Accid Anal Prev 40:387–391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreiber P, Crandall J, Hurwitz S, Nusholtz GS (1998) Static and dynamic bending strength of the leg. Int J Crashworthiness 3:295–308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sekhon LH, Fehlings MG (2001) Epidemiology, demographics, and pathophysiology of acute spinal cord injury. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 26:S2–12. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-200112151-00002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Services UDoHaH (2007) Injury in the United States: 2007

    Google Scholar 

  • Shinkawa H, Yasuhara H, Naka S et al (2004) Characteristic features of abdominal organ injuries associated with gastric rupture in blunt abdominal trauma. Am J Surg 187:394–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shkrum M, McClafferty K, Green R et al (1999) Mechanisms of aortic injury in fatalities occurring in motor vehicle collisions. J Forensic Sci 44:44–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siegmund GP, Myers BS, Davis MB et al (2001) Mechanical evidence of cervical facet capsule injury during whiplash: a cadaveric study using combined shear, compression, and extension loading. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 26:2095–2101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siegmund GP, Davis MB, Quinn KP et al (2008) Head-turned postures increase the risk of cervical facet capsule injury during whiplash. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 33:1643–1649. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e31817b5bcf

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simms CK, Wood DP (2006) Pedestrian risk from cars and sport utility vehicles-a comparative analytical study. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part D J Automob Eng 220:1085–1100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Somers RL (1983a) The probability of death score: a measure of injury severity for use in planning and evaluating accident prevention. Accid Anal Prev 15:259–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-4575(83)90050-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Somers RL (1983b) The probability of death score: an improvement of the injury severity score. Accid Anal Prev 15:247–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-4575(83)90049-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sparks JL, Bolte JH, Dupaix RB et al (2007) Using pressure to predict liver injury risk from blunt impact. Stapp Car Crash J 51:401–432

    Google Scholar 

  • Stalnaker RL, Ulman MS (1985) Abdominal trauma – review, response, and criteria. In: 29th Stapp car crash conference proceedings, pp 1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Stalnaker RL, McElhaney JH, Roberts VL, Trollope ML (1973) Human torso response to blunt trauma. In: King WF, Mertz HJ (eds) Human impact response: measurement and simulation. Springer US, Boston, pp 181–199

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Stemper BD, Yoganandan NA, Pintar FA (2004) Validation of a head-neck computer model for whiplash simulation. Med Biol Eng Comput 42:333–338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stemper BD, Pintar FA, Baisden JL (2015) Lumbar spine injury biomechanics. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin JW (eds) Accidental injury: biomechanics and prevention, 3rd edn. Springer, New York, pp 451–470

    Google Scholar 

  • Takhounts EG, Craig MJ, Moorhouse K et al (2013) Development of brain injury criteria (BrIC). Stapp Car Crash J 57:243

    Google Scholar 

  • Talantikite Y, Brun-Cassan F, Le coz J, Tarriere C (1993) Abdominal protection in side impact. Injury mechanisms and protection criteria. Proc Int Res Counc Biomech Inj Conf 21:131–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Tencer AF, Kaufman R, Huber P et al (2007) Reducing primary and secondary impact loads on the pelvis during side impact. Traffic Inj Prev 8:101–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tile M, Pennal GF (1980) Pelvic disruption: principles of management. Clin Orthop Relat Res 151:56–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Torg JS (1985) Epidemiology, pathomechanics, and prevention of athletic injuries to the cervical spine. Med Sci Sports Exerc 17:295–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trollope ML, Stalnaker RL, JH ME, Frey CF (1973) The mechanism of injury in blunt abdominal trauma. J Trauma 13:962–970

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vandevord PJ, Bolander R, Sajja VSSS et al (2012) Mild neurotrauma indicates a range-specific pressure response to low level shock wave exposure. Ann Biomed Eng 40:227–236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-011-0420-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viano DC, Khalil TB (1976) Investigation of impact response and fracture of the human femur by finite element modeling (No. 760773). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Viano DC, Lau VK (1983) Role of impact velocity and chest compression in thoracic injury. Aviat Sp Environ Med 54:16–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Viano DC, Stalnaker RL (1980) Mechanisms of femoral fracture. J Biomech. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(80)90356-5

  • Viano DC, Lau IV, Asbury C et al (1989) Biomechanics of the human chest, abdomen, and pelvis in lateral impact. Accid Anal Prev 21:553–574. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-4575(89)90070-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang SC, Brede C, Lange D et al (2004) Gender differences in hip anatomy: possible implications for injury tolerance in frontal collisions. Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 48:287–301

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang MC, Pintar F, Yoganandan N, Maiman DJ (2009) The continued burden of spine fractures after motor vehicle crashes. J Neurosurg Spine 10:86–92. https://doi.org/10.3171/SPI.2008.10.08279

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilberger JE, Harris M, Diamond DL (1991) Acute subdural hematoma: morbidity, mortality, and operative timing. J Neurosurg 74:212–218. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1991.74.2.0212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang KH, Begeman PC (1996) A proposed role for facet joints in neck pain in low to moderate speed rear end impacts part I: biomechanics. In: 6th injury prevention through biomechanics symposium, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, pp 59–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Sances Jr A, Maiman DJ et al (1986) Experimental spinal injuries with vertical impact. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 11:855–860

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan N, Haffner M, Maiman DJ, Nichols H, Pintar FA, Jentzen J, … Sances A (1989) Epidemiology and injury biomechanics of motor vehicle related trauma to the human spine (No. 892438). SAE Technical Paper

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Pintar FA, Sances Jr A et al (1991) Strength and kinematic response of dynamic cervical spine injuries. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 16:S511–S517

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Pintar FA, Gennarelli TA, Maltese MR (2000) Patterns of abdominal injuries in frontal and side impacts. Ann Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 44:17–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan N, Pintar FA, Maltese MR (2001) Biomechanics of abdominal injuries. Crit Rev™ Biomed Eng 29(2)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Pintar FA, Zhang J, Gennarelli TA (2007) Lateral impact injuries with side airbag deployments-A descriptive study. Accid Anal Prev 39:22–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2006.05.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Gennarelli TA, Zhang J et al (2009) Association of contact loading in diffuse axonal injuries from motor vehicle crashes. J Trauma 66:309–315. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e3181692104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Humm JR, Pintar FA (2013a) Force corridors of post mortem human surrogates in oblique side impacts from sled tests. Ann Biomed Eng 41:2391–2398. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-013-0847-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan N, Stemper BD, Pintar FA et al (2013b) Cervical spine injury biomechanics: applications for under body blast loadings in military environments. Clin Biomech 28:602–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2013.05.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Arun MWJ, Pintar FA, Szabo A (2014a) Optimized lower leg injury probability curves from postmortem human subject tests under axial impacts. Traffic Inj Prev 15(Suppl 1):S151–S156. https://doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2014.935357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan N, Arun MWJ, Pintar FA (2014b) Normalizing and scaling of data to derive human response corridors from impact tests. J Biomech 47:1749–1756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.03.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Arun MWJ, Pintar FA, Banerjee A (2015a) Lower leg injury reference values and risk curves from survival analysis for male and female dummies: meta-analysis of postmortem human subject tests. Traffic Inj Prev 16(Suppl 1):S100–S107. https://doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2015.1015118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoganandan NA, Humm JR, Pintar FA et al (2015b) Oblique loading in post mortem human surrogates from vehicle tests using chestbands. Stapp Car Crash J 59:1–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Young JW, Resnik CS (1990) Fracture of the pelvis: current concepts of classification. AJR Am J Roentgenol 155:1169–1175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu F, Dong L, Jin X et al (2015) Testing and modeling the responses of Hybrid III crash-dummy lower extremity under high-speed vertical loading. Stapp Car Crash J 59:521–536

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brian D. Goodwin .

Section Editor information

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Goodwin, B.D., Chirvi, S., Pintar, F.A. (2018). Injury Mechanisms in Traffic Accidents. In: Handbook of Human Motion. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14418-4_93

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics