Analysis of Thoracic Fracture Patterns in Frontal Impacts for Seatbelt Restrained Occupants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms of thoracic injury in seatbelt restrained occupants. The fracture locations and fracture patterns were analyzed using CT images and were derived from injured occupants in our in-depth traffic accident database. The results of our analysis showed that some fractures occur along the seatbelt path, however, the majority of fractures occurred in the lateral thoracic region, away from the seatbelt path. For drivers(seated in the right front position), break fractures occurred predominantly in the upper right part of the thoracic region while crack fractures and bend fractures occurred predominantly in the lower left part of the thoracic region. Drivers aged 65 years and over had twice as many rib fractures compared to drivers under the age of 65 years.