Numerical Tools Dedicated to Biomedical Applications and
Virtual Traumatology
M. Montava, et al. Hopital Nord AP-HM
Using human numerical models based on real human data is
often an advantage in ergonomic or biomechanic studies. Their
benefits in term of biofidelity, injuries prediction or specific
organs studies are important. Advances and improvements of
medical images post-treatment allow generating accurate 3D
finite element model of human body parts.
In this study, these methods were used specifically for head
traumas identification. Reported in sport and road accidents
analysis, they induce complex injuries of petrous bone. Fractures
are reported according to a simplified classification, but
few works really investigate injury mechanisms and potential
links between injury description and pathologies (ear less,
dizzeness, face palsy…)
In order to provide an evaluation of these injury mechanisms,
a finite element model of the petrous bone structure was built
from a CT-scan data. Then a parametric study of the petrous
bone lateral impact by a surface (around an initial velocity
of 7 m/s) was performed.
Stress distribution analysis during the bone fracture, correlated
to the impact chronology, leads to a first evaluation of the
chronology and the evolution of fracture process (longitudinal
and transversal fracture mode). Numerical simulations show
a convergence of fractures process running through the complex
shape of petrous bone structure, on the external ear and mean
ear areas.
The map of fracture process was reported as relevant and
validated using clinical data. These first results should
be now completed by taken into account the global head structure.
Further reconstruction, finite element model creation and
numerical analysis, based on medical data, will integrate
structure porosity effects and soft tissue components.
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