Development of a Finite Element Model of a Pediatric Pelvis and Material Property Estimation

The pediatric pelvis is vulnerable to injuries in motor vehicle collisions, sport activities, and fall accidents. Pelvic fractures and injury mechanisms in children differ substantially from those found in adults [1]. While the injury mechanisms and tolerances of the adult pelvis have been fairly well characterized through cadaveric experiments and computational models, efforts related to the pediatric pelvis have been limited due to difficulties in acquiring and testing pediatric cadavers. The objective of this study was to develop a finite element (FE) model of a 10-year-old (10YO) human pelvis to provide more comprehensive understanding of injury mechanisms experienced by children.