Modelling whiplash cervical injury using the HUMOS finite element model

Seance of wednesday 18 december 2002 (ORTHOPEDIE)

Abstract

Whiplash cervical trauma was simulated with the HUMOS finiteelement model. Detailed analysis of kinematics and patterns of injurywas performed and data were compared to published biomechanicaland clinical studies of whiplash. A 15g whiplash injury wassimulated with the HUMOS model. Two injury phases were identified:the first was hyperextension of lower cervical spine (C6-C7and C5-C6) and mild flexion of upper segments, the second washyperextension of the entire cervical spine. Potential patterns ofligamentous injuries were observed as well as increased von Misesstresses in bone. The output of the HUMOS model in the context ofwhiplash shows a strong correlation with clinical and experimentalreported data. HUMOS shows promise for the modelling of othertypes of trauma as well.