Patterns of brain loading in concussive impacts in football

• We have analysed and reported on the dynamics of concussive and non-concussive impacts in football using rigid body methods. This is a unique data set on concussion as it contains unhelmeted impacts. However, the underlying brain loading remains unclear due to limitations in these methods. Finite element analysis offers the possibility of studying the stress-strain characteristics of the brain arising from selected head impacts. Objective: To study patterns of brain loading in concussive impacts in football. Specifically to examine the location of the highest strain, e.g. cortical and sob-cortical, and relate these to symptomatic presentation. Method: Acceleration outputs from rigid body modelling of head impacts were applied to the KTH finite element human head model. The model was validated against cadaveric data for intracranial pressure, relative brain motion, and intracerebral acceleration. The model geometry mirrors the structure of the brain and other intracranial structures. The mesh comprises 26,898 nodes, 11,476 brick elements, 7939 shell and membrane elements, 22 2-node truss elements. Tissues properties were considered including: skull, brain (grey and white matter), meninges, cerebro-spinal fluid. The data set of 27 concussive and 9 non-concussive head impacts will be included in the analysis. The model is run using LSDyna. Stress–strain patterns are assessed by region and level. Results: Impacts with an estimated energy of up to 123 J and head acceleration up to 180 gravities are analysed. The results will report on the estimated brain stress-strain patterns and a comparison between the regions of greatest loading and symptomatic presentation, e.g. loss of consciousness and posturing. Discussion: This method offers new insights into the patho-mechanics and pathogenesis of concussion. A greater understanding of the patho-mechanics will lead to methods to reduce the incidence of concussion.

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TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Medicinteknik -- Annan medicinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Medical Engineering -- Other Medical Engineering (hsv//eng)

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