Citation

Hohendorff B, Weidermann C, Pollinger P, Burkhart KJ, Konerding MA, Prommersberger KJ, Rommens PM. Unfallchirurg 2013; 116(6): 531-536.

Vernacular Title

Verletzungsrisiko von Kinderfingern in automatischen Scheibenschliessanlagen von

Affiliation

Klinik für Handchirurgie, Rhön-Klinikum AG, Salzburger Leite 1, 97616, Bad Neustadt Saale, Deutschland, bernd.hohendorff@hotmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00113-011-2150-3

PMID

22367520

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines the dimensions of children's fingers and the risk of jam injuries in a 4-mm gap between glass and gasket of power-operated motor vehicle windows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The diameter of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanx and of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint of each finger of the right hand of 160 children was measured in a cross-sectional investigation. Six different drawings in cross section of gaskets and glass window panes of current motor vehicle side door windows at a vertical gap of 4 mm were drawn in correct proportion. The larger actual width of the oblique gap between window glass and gasket was measured and related to the diameters of children's fingers. RESULTS: Almost all fingers and joints fit in the largest actual gap of 18 mm between glass and gasket of one seal design. CONCLUSION: The European guideline 74/60/EWG specifications currently pertaining to closing force restriction do not eliminate the risk of potentially serious injury to children's fingers in motor vehicle power windows.

Language: de