Mandibular and basilar skull fracture tolerance

The aim of this work is to develop an understanding of the biomechanical mechanisms that result in basilar skull fractures when the head is subject to a mandibular impact. Two experimental studies have been performed in the characterization of the injury mechanism. The first study evaluated the tolerance of the mandible subject to midsymphysis loading on the mental protuberance (chin). The second study assessed the fracture tolerance of the base of the skull subject to direct loading on the temporo-mandibular joint in conjunction with tensile loading imposed locally around the foramen maguum to simulate the effect of the neck. Injuries produced were consistent with clinical observations that have attributed basilar skull ring fractures to mandibular impacts.

Duke Scholars

Author Barry S. Myers Biomedical Engineering