Frontal and temporal lobe contusions that were caused by a single sagittal plane angular acceleration impulse were analysed. At neuropathological exam the depth, extent, and location of contusions were mapped and described according to a classification previously developed for human use. Of 30 rhesus monkeys subjected to a single angular acceleration impulse, 13 had no frontal or temporal contusion (group 1), 8 had only frontal contusion (group 2) and 9 had temporal contusions (group 3). Correlation with angular acceleration, tangential acceleration and tangential force showed that the three groups were statistically different. These data support the concept that in angular acceleration the threshold for frontal contusions is less than the threshold for temporal contusions. The reasons why this is so could be related either to differences in the mechanical properties of the tissues or to regional differences of the mechanical input. Since the authors feel that the data best support the hypothesis that these contusions result from deceleration contact forces, the latter explanation is preferred. The covering abstract for the proceedings is IRRD abstract no 254690.
Abstract