This study investigates the peak force and force at fracture in the patella complex from an axial load similar to that of a knee bolster impact during a frontal automobile collision. A rigid impactor and a 689 kPa padded impactor are used to compare the mechanical behaviour of 'older' (mean = 74 years) and 'younger' (35 years) post-mortem human surrogate (PMHS) populations. Age-related differences in peak forces and fracture patterns were observed using both impactors, and we hypothesise that the stiffer response of the patella complex in the 74-year-old PHMS group is responsible for these differences. Furthermore, four fracture detection methods (acoustic sensors, strain gauges, piezo-electric sensors and accelerometers) were investigated; the acoustic sensor was found to give the most useful crack detection data. These experimental results can assist numerical modelling and design efforts aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of automotive-related knee injuries.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Fracture tolerance of the patellofemoral joint in frontal knee impacts of 75 and 35 year-old males


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2011-08-01


    Size :

    13 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Determination of knee-femur-pelvis tolerance from the simulation of car frontal impacts

    Brun-Cassan,F. / Leung,Y.C. / Patel,A. et al. | Automotive engineering | 1982


    Insult to the Human Cadaver Patellofemoral Joint: Effects of Age on Fracture Tolerance and Occult Injury

    Haut, R. C. / Atkinson, P. J. / SAE | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1995


    Patellofemoral Joint Fracture Load Prediction Using Physical and Pathological Parameters

    Mackenzie, Charles M. / Atkinson, Patrick J. / Haut, Roger C. | SAE Technical Papers | 1998



    Evaluation of Human Tolerance in Frontal Impacts

    Césari, D. / Ramet, M. | SAE Technical Papers | 1979