Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
E XPERIMENTAL SKELETAL TRAUMA RESEARC H
As mentioned above, while case-based research can often provide interesting initial ques-
tions for research, experimental research is often the most appropriate methodology to refine
your understanding of the variables involved. Experimental research affords the chance to
investigate a very specific problem in a controlled environment. Resulting data can be
very precise, and the experiment can be repeated on multiple specimens to help increase
the accuracy of the results. This section will illustrate the important questions to ask when
considering experimental research, critical steps that need to be addressed, and the basic
methods used.
Positive Aspects of Experimental Trauma Research
Experimental trauma research affords a unique opportunity to investigate the very
specific variables that were outlined in the brief overview of biomechanics at the beginning
of this chapter. Only in an experimental setting can you really get down to the nitty-gritty
aspects of bone and injury biomechanics. As mentioned above, this research design offers
the chance to actually create trauma and get replicable results with extensive data.
Negative Aspects of Experimental Trauma Research
Experimental research in injury biomechanics necessitates extensive experience with
physics, material science, biomechanics, and engineering; or ready access to an engineering
department willing to help. Successful research in this area is both costly and complicated.
There are numerous research designs with engineered impact devices to fit any variety of
situations. If you can dream it, it can be designed, instrumented, and built. However,
when addressing your initial research plan make sure that you either have access to equip-
ment that you might need, or have the resources necessary to construct it.
What Question Are You Trying to Address?
Just as we saw with case-based analysis in skeletal trauma, there are research questions
that are better suited to an experimental design. The best basic questions that are answered
using experimental design are ones that investigate a specific variable or set of variables. For
example, good questions conducive to experimental testing are, among others: At what force
does the temporal bone fracture? How do fractures travel through bone? What type of impact
is needed to create a cranial base fracture? How does the temperature of a fire influence
thermal fracture patterns? How does axial load affect the creation of butterfly fractures?
What Are The Key Elements You Will Need?
Unfortunately, there is no concise list to make for all the equipment and resources needed to
conduct experimental trauma. The necessary materials for the project will be dictated by the
question that you are trying to ask. For example, a project involving the trauma caused by
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