Citation

Gordon ZL, Gillespie RJ, Ponsky TA, Barksdale EM, Thompson GH. J. Pediatr. Orthop. 2009; 29(8): 856-859.

Affiliation

Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatric General Surgery, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/BPO.0b013e3181c119b2

PMID

19934698

Abstract

Pediatric Chance fractures are uncommon injuries. They are the result of a flexion-distraction force applied to the spine, and most commonly occur from motor vehicle accidents in which passengers are wearing lap seat belts as opposed to 3-point restraints with a chest strap. Neurologic injuries are rarely associated with Chance fractures in children, but accompanying intraabdominal injuries are often found and carry a potential for significant morbidity. We present 3 siblings in a minivan who were involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident and as a result of wearing their 3-point restraints improperly, suffered Chance fractures. None had neurologic dysfunction, but 2 had serious intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical repair. All 3 Chance fractures were treated with cast immobilization. This case report shows the importance of wearing 3-point restraints properly while traveling in a motor vehicle.

Language: en