Biomechanical investigation of airbag-induced upper-extremity injuries

The factors that influence airbag-induced upper-extremity injuries sustained by drivers were investigated. Seven cadavers were used in 19 direct-forearm interaction static deployments. Forearm fracture was analyzed with respect to time of airbag deployment, distal forearm speed, airbag-module-to-forearm spacing, bone mineral content, and upper-extremity mass. Results suggested that airbag-module-to-forearm spacing has a substantial influence on airbag-induced upper-extremity injuries sustained by drivers. The increased initial spacing which reduces the speeds achieved by the distal forearm results to potentially mitigating injuries.