American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Automobile crash simulation with the first pregnant crash test dummy☆,☆☆,★
Section snippets
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A pregnancy insert was developed to be placed in the pelvic region of the 5th percentile (height and weight) Hybrid III female anthropomorphic test device. To accommodate the pregnancy insert the anterior surface of the pelvic ring and the base of the lumbar spine were machined with approximately a 10 cm radius to allow insertion of the fetal assembly.
RESULTS
With seat belts placed in the positions recommended by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during pregnancy,2 higher-speed crashes resulted in larger accelerations within the fetal head and thoracic components and greater force transmission through the uterus (Fig. 3). The effect of improper placement of the lap belt on force transmission through the uterus was evaluated in a series of sled runs ranging from 10 to 25
COMMENT
Despite the implementation of various protocols to manage the pregnant woman after motor vehicle crashes, pregnancy loss occurs after relatively minor accidents without apparent maternal injury.3, 4, 5 Because most motor vehicle crashes are minor, most pregnancy losses occur after minor motor vehicle crashes. It is apparent from these facts that an improved understanding into the mechanism of pregnancy loss after motor vehicle crashes is an important first step in developing automobile
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the skills and work that Joe Smrcka (deceased) of First Technologies, Inc., put into the physical development of the test device used in these experiments.
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Cited by (0)
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From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical Center,aand General Motors Corporation.b
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Reprint requests: Mark Pearlman, MD, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., D2202 MPB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0718.
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0002-9378/96 $5.00 + 0 6/6/74990