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It has been reported that lower extremity injuries represent a measurable portion of all moderate-to-severe automobile crash- related injuries. Thus, a simple tool to assist with the design of leg and foot injury countermeasures is desirable. The objective of this study is to develop a mathematical model which can predict load propagation and kinematics of the foot and leg in frontal automotive impacts. A multi-body model developed at the University of Virginia and validated for blunt impact to the whole foot has been used as basis for the current work. This model includes representations of the tibia, fibula, talus, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot bones. Additionally, the model provides a means for tensioning the Achilles tendon. In the current study, the simulations conducted correspond to tests performed by the Transport Research Laboratory and the University of Nottingham on knee-amputated cadaver specimens.

Accident injury studies have clearly shown that skeletal ankle injuries are a significant cause of temporary and permanent impairment and can lead to long term morbidity. In this paper the use of a driving simulator to present car drivers with situations requiring emergency braking is reported. The mean peak force applied to the brake pedal was 750N (o 327) with the foot plantar flexed by 18° (o 11.5). This plantar flexing force was applied through the achilles tendon in a series of post mortem human surrogate tests, to evaluate the effect of bracing on lower leg behaviour in dynamic impacts. Significant effects on axial loading, movement of the foot at the ankle and mean impactor force were demonstrated. There was no significant effect on peak bending moments in the tibia.