Study of cerebrospinal injuries by force transmission secondary to mandibular impacts using a finite element model. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tuchtan, Lucile; Godio-Raboutet, Yves; Delteil, Clémence; Léonetti, Georges; Piercecchi Marti, Marie-Dominique; Thollon, Lionel
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 307(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Finite element model -- Cerebrospinal injury -- Force transmission -- Brainstem -- Mandibular impact; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: Force transmission to the brain was evaluated by a complete finite element model. Anteroposterior uppercut impacts were associated with extension of the brainstem. Hook punch impacts transmitted forces directly to the brainstem and the spinal cord. Death without histological lesion may be related to excessive stressing of the brainstem. Abstract: Brain and cervical injuries are often described after major facial impacts but rarely after low-intensity mandibular impacts. Force transmission to the brain and spinal cord from a mandibular impact such as a punch was evaluated by the creation and validation of a complete finite element model of the head and neck. Anteroposterior uppercut impacts on the jaw were associated with considerable extension and strong stresses at the junction of the brainstem and spinal cord. Hook punch impacts transmitted forces directly to the brainstem and the spinal cord without extension of the spinal cord. Deaths after this type of blow with no observed histological lesions may be related to excessive stressing of the brainstem, through which pass the sensory-motor pathways and the vagus nerve and which is the regulatory center of the major vegetative functions. Biological parameters are different in each individual, and by using digital modeling they can be modulated at will (jaw shape, dentition…) for a realistic approach to forensic applications.