ABSTRACT
Objective To predict biomechanical responses of neck injuries under different loading conditions based on the finite element model of the 6-year-old pediatric neck. Methods The finite element model of the 6-year-old pediatric neck with real anatomical structural muscles was developed, according to the CT images. The model was verified by reconstructing the dynamic tensile test of different cervical spine segments, the tensile test of full cervical spine and the low speed impact experiment of the pediatric volunteers. Results The force-displacement curves, obtained from the simulations on tensile test of different cervical spine segments and tensile test of full cervical spine, were in good agreement with the experimental curves. The head angular velocity-time curve obtained from simulations on pediatric volunteer was consistent with the corridor obtained from experimental data. Conclusions The model is validated and can be used for studying the biomechanical responses and injury mechanism of pediatric neck under different loading conditions.