Advances in Trauma and Injury Biomechanics

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomechanics and Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 7070

Special Issue Editor

1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
2. Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518057, China
Interests: biomechanics of musculoskeletal system; rehabilitation engineering; sports injury; motion analysis; computational modelling and simulation; prosthetics and orthotics bioengineering; foot biomechanics and foot-support design; bone and joint motion and mechanics; ankle joint surgery; ankle implant

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The human body sustains a wide range of forces and impacts from external and internal environments throughout life. These loadings can act on the body via different contacts or fields. Some of the loadings are necessary for the physiological and mechanical performance of the human body, while some of the loadings may harm the human body by violent injuries or accumulated damages.

The biomechanics of injuries or trauma is a scientific area that uses mechanical principles to explain injury and trauma rationales, predict risk factors, explore the tolerance level and response of human tissues to specific loading conditions, and provide scientific fundamentals for the ergonomic design of body protection and body supports. A sufficient exploration of the biomechanics of injury and trauma is thus efficient and necessary for the alleviation, elimination, or precaution of injuries and traumas, even for injury treatments and rehabilitation. It covers a wide range of areas, such as basic anatomy, tissue properties, tissue reaction, human motion, loading pattern, injury classification and mechanism, body support, ergonomic designs, engineering, computational analysis, etc., from micro- to macro-level science and technologies, and from the intrinsic to the extrinsic environment of the human body. It is not only a way that explores the way the body responds to various forces, but also a way to understand the physiological and mechanical performance of the human body as adaption strategies to all the sustained loading conditions.

This Special Issue on the biomechanics of injury and trauma aims to collect cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and research findings in research and development industries in the field of injury biomechanics, for the purpose of promoting applications of advances for injury precaution, as well as stimulating new creations for injury management.

Dr. Yan Wang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • injury biomechanics
  • human movements
  • tissue properties
  • ergonomic design
  • computational analysis
  • injury precaution

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 7125 KiB  
Article
Pelvic Ring Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison of Sacral and Lumbopelvic Fixation Techniques
by Sudharshan Tripathi, Norihiro Nishida, Sophia Soehnlen, Amey Kelkar, Yogesh Kumaran, Toshihiro Seki, Takashi Sakai and Vijay K. Goel
Bioengineering 2024, 11(4), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040348 - 02 Apr 2024
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Background Context: Pelvic ring fractures are becoming more common in the aging population and can prove to be fatal, having mortality rates between 10% and 16%. Stabilization of these fractures is challenging and often require immediate internal fixation. Therefore, it is necessary to [...] Read more.
Background Context: Pelvic ring fractures are becoming more common in the aging population and can prove to be fatal, having mortality rates between 10% and 16%. Stabilization of these fractures is challenging and often require immediate internal fixation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a biomechanical understanding of the different fixation techniques for pelvic ring fractures. Methods: A previously validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and femur was used for this study. A unilateral pelvic ring fracture was simulated by resecting the left side of the sacrum and pelvis. Five different fixation techniques were used to stabilize the fracture. A compressive follower load and pure moment was applied to compare different biomechanical parameters including range of motion (contralateral sacroiliac joint, L1-S1 segment, L5-S1 segment), and stresses (L5-S1 nucleus stresses, instrument stresses) between different fixation techniques. Results: Trans-iliac–trans-sacral screw fixation at S1 and S2 showed the highest stabilization for horizontal and vertical displacement at the sacral fracture site and reduction of contralateral sacroiliac joint for bending and flexion range of motion by 165% and 121%, respectively. DTSF (Double transiliac rod and screw fixation) model showed highest stabilization in horizontal displacement at the pubic rami fracture site, while the L5_PF_W_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation with cross connectors) and L5_PF_WO_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation without cross connectors) showed higher rod stresses, reduced L1-S1 (approximately 28%), and L5-S1 (approximately 90%) range of motion. Conclusions: Longer sacral screw fixations were superior in stabilizing sacral and contralateral sacroiliac joint range of motion. Lumbopelvic fixations displayed a higher degree of stabilization in the horizontal displacement compared to vertical displacement of pubic rami fracture, while also indicating the highest rod stresses. When determining the surgical approach for pelvic ring fractures, patient-specific factors should be accounted for to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for each technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Trauma and Injury Biomechanics)
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13 pages, 1741 KiB  
Article
Effects of Stroboscopic Vision on Depth Jump Motor Control: A Biomechanical Analysis
by Kenneth D. Harrison, Christopher J. Dakin, Anne Z. Beethe and Talin Louder
Bioengineering 2024, 11(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11030290 - 20 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1418
Abstract
Researchers commonly use the ‘free-fall’ paradigm to investigate motor control during landing impacts, particularly in drop landings and depth jumps (DJ). While recent studies have focused on the impact of vision on landing motor control, previous research fully removed continuous visual input, limiting [...] Read more.
Researchers commonly use the ‘free-fall’ paradigm to investigate motor control during landing impacts, particularly in drop landings and depth jumps (DJ). While recent studies have focused on the impact of vision on landing motor control, previous research fully removed continuous visual input, limiting ecological validity. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of stroboscopic vision on depth jump (DJ) motor control. Ground reaction forces (GRF) and lower-extremity surface electromyography (EMG) were collected for 20 young adults (11 male; 9 female) performing six depth jumps (0.51 m drop height) in each of two visual conditions (full vision vs. 3 Hz stroboscopic vision). Muscle activation magnitude was estimated from EMG signals using root-mean-square amplitudes (RMS) over specific time intervals (150 ms pre-impact; 30–60 ms, 60–85 ms, and 85–120 ms post-impact). The main effects of and interactions between vision and trial number were assessed using two-way within-subjects repeated measures analyses of variance. Peak GRF was 6.4% greater, on average, for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision compared to full vision (p = 0.042). Tibialis anterior RMS EMG during the 60–85 ms post-impact time interval was 14.1% lower for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision (p = 0.020). Vastus lateralis RMS EMG during the 85–120 ms post-impact time interval was 11.8% lower for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision (p = 0.017). Stroboscopic vision altered DJ landing mechanics and lower-extremity muscle activation. The observed increase in peak GRF and reduction in RMS EMG of the tibialis anterior and vastus lateralis post-landing may signify a higher magnitude of lower-extremity musculotendinous stiffness developed pre-landing. The results indicate measurable sensorimotor disruption for DJs performed with stroboscopic vision, warranting further research and supporting the potential use of stroboscopic vision as a sensorimotor training aid in exercise and rehabilitation. Stroboscopic vision could induce beneficial adaptations in multisensory integration, applicable to restoring sensorimotor function after injury and preventing injuries in populations experiencing landing impacts at night (e.g., military personnel). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Trauma and Injury Biomechanics)
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11 pages, 2922 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Cerclage Banding Distally to a Clamshell Fracture Pattern in Total Hip Arthroplasty—A Biomechanical Study
by Philipp Kastner, Ivan Zderic, Boyko Gueorguiev, Torsten Pastor, Matthias Luger, Tobias Gotterbarm and Clemens Schopper
Bioengineering 2023, 10(12), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10121397 - 06 Dec 2023
Viewed by 839
Abstract
Objectives: As currently there is no existing biomechanical work on the topic of interest, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of cerclage banding distally to an intraoperatively occurring proximal periprosthetic femoral clamshell fracture versus a non-fractured femur after [...] Read more.
Objectives: As currently there is no existing biomechanical work on the topic of interest, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of cerclage banding distally to an intraoperatively occurring proximal periprosthetic femoral clamshell fracture versus a non-fractured femur after total hip arthroplasty. Methods: A diaphyseal anchoring stem was implanted in twenty paired human cadaveric femora, assigned to a treatment and a control group. In the treatment group, each specimen was fitted with a cerclage band placed 3 mm distally to a clamshell fracture, created with an extent of 40% of the anchoring length of the stem. The resulting fragment was not treated further. The contralateral specimens were left with the stems without further fracture creation or treatment. All constructs were tested under progressively increasing cyclic axial loading until failure. Relative bone-implant movements were monitored by motion tracking. Results: Number of cycles and the corresponding load at stem loosening, defined as 1 mm displacement of the stem along the shaft axis, were 31,417 ± 8870 and 3641.7 ± 887 N in the control group, and 26,944 ± 11,706 and 3194.4 ± 1170.6 N in the treatment group, respectively, with no significant differences between them, p = 0.106. Conclusion: From a biomechanical perspective, cerclage banding distally to an intraoperative clamshell fracture with an extent of 40% of the anchoring length of the stem demonstrated comparable resistance against hip stem loosening versus a non-fractured femur. It may therefore represent a valid treatment option to restore the full axial stability of a diaphyseal anchoring stem. In addition, it may be considered to keep the medial wall fragment unfixed, thus saving operative time and minimizing associated risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Trauma and Injury Biomechanics)
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9 pages, 583 KiB  
Article
Effects of Running Speeds and Exhaustion on Iliotibial Band Strain during Running
by Shanefei Chen, Yan Wang, Fangbo Bing and Ming Zhang
Bioengineering 2023, 10(4), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10040417 - 26 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1474
Abstract
Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries in runners. The strain rate in the iliotibial band (ITB) has been theorized to be the primary causative factor in the development of ITBS. Running speed and exhaustion might lead [...] Read more.
Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries in runners. The strain rate in the iliotibial band (ITB) has been theorized to be the primary causative factor in the development of ITBS. Running speed and exhaustion might lead to an alteration in the biomechanics that influence the strain rate in the iliotibial band. Objectives: To identify how exhaustion states and running speeds affect the ITB strain and strain rate. Methods: A total of 26 healthy runners (including 16 males and 10 females) ran at a normal preferred speed and a fast speed. Then, participants performed a 30 min exhaustive treadmill run at a self-selected speed. Afterward, participants were required to run at similar speeds to those of the pre-exhaustion state. Results: Both the exhaustion and running speeds were revealed to have significant influences on the ITB strain rate. After exhaustion, an increase of approximately 3% in the ITB strain rate was observed for both the normal speed (p = 0.001) and the fast speed (p = 0.008). Additionally, a rapid increase in the running speed could lead to an increase in the ITB strain rate for both the pre- (9.71%, p = 0.000) and post-exhaustion (9.87%, p = 0.000) states. Conclusions: It should be noted that an exhaustion state could lead to an increase in the ITB strain rate. In addition, a rapid increase in running speed might cause a higher ITB strain rate, which is proposed to be the primary cause of ITBS. The risk of injury should also be considered due to the rapid increase in the training load involved. Running at a normal speed in a non-exhaustive state might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of ITBS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Trauma and Injury Biomechanics)
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16 pages, 2801 KiB  
Article
In-Depth Bicycle Collision Reconstruction: From a Crash Helmet to Brain Injury Evaluation
by Xiancheng Yu, Claire E. Baker, Mike Brown and Mazdak Ghajari
Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030317 - 02 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2042
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prevalent injury among cyclists experiencing head collisions. In legal cases, reliable brain injury evaluation can be difficult and controversial as mild injuries cannot be diagnosed with conventional brain imaging methods. In such cases, accident reconstruction may be [...] Read more.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prevalent injury among cyclists experiencing head collisions. In legal cases, reliable brain injury evaluation can be difficult and controversial as mild injuries cannot be diagnosed with conventional brain imaging methods. In such cases, accident reconstruction may be used to predict the risk of TBI. However, lack of collision details can render accident reconstruction nearly impossible. Here, we introduce a reconstruction method to evaluate the brain injury in a bicycle–vehicle collision using the crash helmet alone. Following a thorough inspection of the cyclist’s helmet, we identified a severe impact, a moderate impact and several scrapes, which helped us to determine the impact conditions. We used our helmet test rig and intact helmets identical to the cyclist’s helmet to replicate the damage seen on the cyclist’s helmet involved in the real-world collision. We performed both linear and oblique impacts, measured the translational and rotational kinematics of the head and predicted the strain and the strain rate across the brain using a computational head model. Our results proved the hypothesis that the cyclist sustained a severe impact followed by a moderate impact on the road surface. The estimated head accelerations and velocity (167 g, 40.7 rad/s and 13.2 krad/s2) and the brain strain and strain rate (0.541 and 415/s) confirmed that the severe impact was large enough to produce mild to moderate TBI. The method introduced in this study can guide future accident reconstructions, allowing for the evaluation of TBI using the crash helmet only. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Trauma and Injury Biomechanics)
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