Case analysis and finite element analysis of adult head skull fractures in people run over by motor vehicles

The cranial stress distribution and morphological characteristics of cranial fractures in adult heads run over by motor vehicle were investigated. Cases of adults' heads run over by motor vehicles were collected. The skull fracture degrees are categorized into no skull fracture, multiple skull fractures, and skull fractures with brain tissue overflow. According to China's road traffic management system, vehicles in traffic accidents are categorized as heavy vehicles (weight >= 12 t), medium vehicles (4.5 t <= weight < 12 t), light vehicles (1.8 t <weight < 4.5 t), and light minicars (weight <= 1.8 t). Finite element simulations were used to analyze the relationship between cranial fracture morphology and vehicle weight as well as cranial stress response. A total of 41 cases of heads run over by motor vehicles were collected. In seven cases of multiple skull fractures caused by medium vehicles, there were skull fractures on both the ground side and the tyre side, and the degree of skull fracture was more serious on the ground side than on the tyre side. Finite element simulations showed that the cranial stress in was more concentrated on the ground side than on the tyre side. Light vehicles and light minicars running over a head usually do not fracture the skull. Head injuries caused by medium vehicles are mainly characterized by multiple skull fractures, and the degree of skull fracture is more serious on the ground side than on the tyre side.