Injury Patterns of Elderly Occupants Involved in Side Crashes

Engineering (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)Multiple injury risk factors for elderly occupants, such as lower bone density, geometry changes to the pelvis and ribs, and pre-existing medical conditions, may contribute to a higher risk of injury in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), especially side crashes. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003, the elderly population in the United States is growing. Therefore, there is a need to investigate injury mechanisms of elderly occupants. This epidemiological study aims to identify the elderly population most at risk in MVCs as well as the body region most commonly injured. Data obtained from the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS CDS) was used to analyze the frequency and type of injuries sustained by occupants (drivers and right front passengers (RFPs)) in side crashes. Additional analysis was conducted on a population of occupants between the ages of 60 and 90 years. The overall results show that risk of injury increases after the age of 60. The body regions most at risk for injury include the thorax, ribs, lower extremities, and pelvis. When comparing the risk of AIS 2+ injury between only elderly drivers and RFPs, RFPs show an increased risk of injury across all five major body regions. When comparing only elderly male and female occupants, elderly females have a higher risk of AIS 2+ injury to the lower extremities and pelvis while elderly males were found to have a higher risk of AIS 2+ injury to the thorax and ribs. The data highlights that the elderly are at higher risk of pelvis and rib fractures. The results of this study will help direct the post mortem human subject (PMHS) testing necessary to develop injury criteria for elderly occupants in side impact crashes.HondaAcademic Major: Biomedical Engineerin