Experimental Comparison of Trauma in Lateral (+Gy), Rearward-Facing (+Gx), and Forward-Facing (-Gx) Body Orientations when Restrained by Lap Belt Only

摘要

In this study, 24 anesthetized Savannah Baboons (Papio cynocephalus) restrained with a lap belt were subjected to a controlled series of lateral impacts at entrance velocities ranging from 36.4 ft./sec. (15g.) to 88.2 ft./sec. (44g.) 1,200 g./sec. to 5,900 g./sec. rate of onset, for total durations of 0.076 to .100 second. Sixteen lateral tests were run with four forward-facing and four rearward-facing controls. Gross and microscopic autopsies were performed. Pathology was found to be significantly higher in lateral impact. Ruptured bladders and uteri, adrenal hemorrhage, and subdural and epidural hemorrhage occurred frequently. A major finding, with unexplained etiology, was marked pancreatic hemorrhage most typical of the lateral impact. Under these test conditions, both survival and injury tolerance levels were found to be lower in the lateral body orientation, indicating lap belt restraint alone does not provide adequate body protection. (Author)