TY - JOUR AU - Lee, William PY - 2020/08/18 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Forensic Engineering Analysis of Upper Extremity Nerve Entrapment Injury Mechanisms as Related to Rear-End Collisions JF - Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers JA - JotNAFE VL - 36 IS - 1 SE - DO - 10.51501/jotnafe.v36i1.142 UR - https://journal.nafe.org/ojs/index.php/nafe/article/view/142 SP - AB - <p><em>Nerve entrapments of the median nerve, i.e., carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and the ulnar nerve, i.e., cu-bital syndrome (CT) are relatively common, reflecting traumatic and atraumatic mechanisms. Claims of such injuries in relation to rear-end collisions (particularly low-velocity or &lt; 10 mph collisions) are often contested by the defense, acknowledging that there is no obvious relationship between the collision and the claimed inju-ries. Of the collision types (frontal, side, rear-end), it is the least clear how a rear-end collision can establish mechanisms for such injuries. Direct blunt trauma to the carpal tunnel region or the cubital tunnel region are unlikely in a rear-end collision. Also, “stretch” injuries due to hypermotion of either the wrist or elbow are unlikely, reflecting occupant kinematics, vehicle interior geometry, and other factors. A case study involving CTS and CT claims as a result of a low-velocity rear-end collision will be presented.</em></p> ER -