Citation

Gotschall CS, Better AI, Bulas D, Eichelberger MR, Bents F, Warner MA. Annu. Proc. Assoc. Adv. Automot. Med. 1998; 42: 29-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Injury risks to children restrained in 2-point belts have been well described. "Seat belt syndrome," associated with the use of 2-point belts, includes contusion of the abdominal wall, fracture of the lumbar spine, and intra-abdominal injury. Using crash reconstruction methodologies and prospectively collected clinical data, we compared injury patterns by restraint type among a sample of 98 belted children. There were no significant differences in injury severity or hospital charges by belt type. There was no difference in the risk of AIS = 2 injury to the head, neck, chest, abdominal contents or extremities by belt type. Children restrained in 3-point belts exhibit a similar pattern of injury to those in 2-point belts, however 3-point belts appear to be protective for lumbar fracture.

Language: en