Trauma biomechanics uses the principles of mechanics to study the response and tolerance level of biological tissues under extreme loading conditions. Through an understanding of mechanical factors that influence the function and structure of human tissues, countermeasures can be developed to alleviate or even eliminate such injuries. Trauma Biomechanics surveys a wide variety of topics in injury biomechanics including injury classification, injury mechanisms and injury criteria. Both injuries sustained in automotive accidents and in sports are addressed. The interdisciplinary approach necessary in trauma biomechanics is stressed by showing the span from anatomy for each body region to engineering solutions for protection against injury. Injury tolerance values are listed, either currently in use or proposed by both the U.S. and European countries. Although the book is meant as a first introduction for engineers and medical doctors, sufficient references for scientific research are provided also.
Zusammenfassung
Injury is a leading cause of death, hospitalisation and disability world-wide. The World Health Organization predicts that unintentional injuries arising from road traffic incidents will rise to take third place in the rank order of international disease burden by the year 2030. Although these statistics and the associated economic costs are staggering, the effect of unintentional injury and death from trauma is more apparent, and more disturbing, when seen personally. By a young age, nearly everyone in the world, regardless of region, wealth or education, has had a relative or someone that they know killed or disabled in an "accident". The quality of life and financial effects on the injured person and their families and friends are plainly evident and clearly devastating. Many unintentional injuries are in reality not accidents; they could be prevented with changes in policy, education, or through improved safety devices. Arrayed against these preventable injuries, a diverse group of injury prevention researchers and practitioners work to decrease the incidence of unintentional injury. In trauma biomechanics, the principles of mechanics are used to understand how injuries happen at the level of the bones, joints, organs and tissues of the body. This knowledge is central in the development, characterization and improvement of safety devices such as helmets and seat belts and in the safe design of vehicles and equipment used for transportation, occupation and recreation.
Inhalt
Methods in Trauma Biomechanics.- Head Injuries.- Spinal Injuries.- Thoracic Injuries.- Abdominal Injuries.- Injuries of the Pelvis and the Lower Extremities.- Injuries of the Upper Extremities.- Impairment and injuries resulting from chronic mechanical exposure.- Solutions to exercises.