Emulating the Interfacial Kinematics of CNS White Matter With Finite Element Techniques

Axonal injury represents a critical target for TBI and SCI prevention and treatment. Mechanical strain has been identified as the proximal cause of axonal injury, while secondary ischaemic and excitotoxic insults associated with the primary trauma potentially exacerbate the structural and functional damage. Many studies have been attempted to identify the states of stress and strain in white matter using animal and finite element models. These material models employed in finite element simulations of the central nervous system (CNS) of soft tissues heavily depend on phenomenological representations. The accuracy of these simulations depends not only on correct determination of the material properties but also on precise depiction of the tissues’ microstructure.