Experimental cadaveric study of lateral impact of the pelvis in children.

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanic response of children's pelvis to lateral impact. METHODS: Twelve 2-to 12 year-old children's cadavers were donated by their relatives for this impact test, dividing into younger group (2 to 4 years old, n=6) and elder group (5 to 12 years old, n=6). CT scan and X-ray examination were performed before the impact test, and after the test, X-ray examination and autopsy were conducted. All the pelvises were impacted at a speed of 7.5+/-0.5 m/s but for one at 9.1m/s. RESULTS: All tests showed similar behavior of the pelvis with similar timing and peak viscous criterion (V*C) values. Statistical significance was noted in the maximum V*C and degree of stiffness of the pelvis between the 2 groups (P<0.05). No injuries occurred in the 2 groups after the impact. CONCLUSION: The pelvic test yields very repeatable pelvic response among each group tested.