Bertocci G E, Pierce M C, Deemer E, Aguel F
Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Rehabilitation Science and Technology, 5044 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001 Sep;155(9):1008-14. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.155.9.1008.
To demonstrate the usefulness of computer simulation techniques in the investigation of pediatric stair falls. Since stair falls are a common falsely reported injury scenario in child abuse, our specific aim was to investigate the influence of stair characteristics on injury biomechanics of pediatric stair falls by using a computer simulation model. Our long-term goal is to use knowledge of biomechanics to aid in distinguishing between accidents and abuse.
A computer simulation model of a 3-year-old child falling down stairs was developed using commercially available simulation software. This model was used to investigate the influence that stair characteristics have on biomechanical measures associated with injury risk. Since femur fractures occur in unintentional and abuse scenarios, biomechanical measures were focused on the lower extremities.
The number and slope of steps and stair surface friction and elasticity were found to affect biomechanical measures associated with injury risk.
Computer simulation techniques are useful for investigating the biomechanics of stair falls. Using our simulation model, we determined that stair characteristics have an effect on potential for lower extremity injuries. Although absolute values of biomechanical measures should not be relied on in an unvalidated model such as this, relationships between accident-environment factors and biomechanical measures can be studied through simulation. Future efforts will focus on model validation.
证明计算机模拟技术在小儿楼梯跌倒研究中的实用性。由于楼梯跌倒是虐待儿童中常见的虚假报告伤害场景，我们的具体目标是通过使用计算机模拟模型来研究楼梯特征对小儿楼梯跌倒损伤生物力学的影响。我们的长期目标是利用生物力学知识来帮助区分意外事故和虐待行为。
使用市售模拟软件建立了一个3岁儿童从楼梯上跌落的计算机模拟模型。该模型用于研究楼梯特征对与损伤风险相关的生物力学指标的影响。由于股骨骨折在意外事故和虐待场景中都会发生，生物力学指标主要关注下肢。
发现台阶数量、坡度以及楼梯表面摩擦力和弹性会影响与损伤风险相关的生物力学指标。
计算机模拟技术有助于研究楼梯跌倒的生物力学。通过我们的模拟模型，我们确定楼梯特征会影响下肢受伤的可能性。虽然在这样一个未经验证的模型中不应依赖生物力学指标的绝对值，但可以通过模拟研究事故环境因素与生物力学指标之间的关系。未来的工作将集中在模型验证上。
