Citation

Lonn C, Rabow L. J. Traffic Med. 1980; 8(3): 38-39.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the discussion pro and contra seat belts - especially in connection with law proposals on compulsory seat belts - the possibility of increased risks of cervical spine injury has been emphasized. The whip lash effect seems to be well documented as regards use of the lap belt, but seems to be eliminated by the three point belt, now compulsory in Sweden. Another factor of importance is the great force laid upon the cervical spine when, in a sudden retardation, the head goes on moving forwards, while the thorax is fixed. That a significantly higher frequency of cervical spine injuries really occurs among users of the three point belt has, however, not been confirmed in clinical studies, although cadaver experiments have shown even very serious cervical spine injuries also with this type of belt. Initiated by two severely injured patients we would like to discuss another possible mechanism which can cause cervical injuries, namely a belt anchoring point which is too high in relation to the passenger's body length.