Samenvatting
The objective of this study is to experimentally characterise the costovertebral articulations when the bony structure of a thoracic cage is submitted to a compressive load on the sternum. Two tests have been performed in order to document the kinematics of these joints, and to determine the role of the intercostal muscles on the stability of the thoracic cage. The tests also aim to determine the global deformation of the thoracic cage. The results will permit to improve a finite element model (FEM) of the thoracic cage. (A)