INJURIES TO CHILDREN RESTRAINED IN 2- AND 3-POINT BELTS

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, the authors 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

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00767366
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Aug 11 1999 12:00AM