Methods for Comparison of Liver and Spleen Location in the Supine and Upright Positions of the 50th Percentile Male

Abstract

The location and shape variation of the liver and spleen due to postural changes has implications in the prediction of blunt abdominal trauma via computational models or other human surrogates. Although abdominal injuries occur in only 3–5% of injuries in car crashes, they are often seen in serious crashes with AIS≥4 injuries. The location and shape variation of the liver and spleen due to postural changes are likely to play a role in the severity of injury, as a result of rib coverage and location. One means of studying this variation is through computational modeling for impact biomechanics studies. This study reviews the methods used to quantify variation in the location of the liver and the spleen relative to surrounding bony structures for two different postures, supine and seated. Through the use of various imaging modalities three-dimensional datasets depicting the affect of posture change on the size and shape of the liver and spleen can be investigated through three-dimensional renderings and center of gravity measurements.