THE LAP BELT COMPLEX: INTESTINAL AND LUMBAR SPINE INJURY IN CHILDREN (WITH DISCUSSION)

The "seatbelt syndrome" describes intestinal and spinal injury caused by lap-style automotive restraints. More than 2,600 children were admitted to Children's National Medical Center with blunt injury in 3 years; 395 were involved in a motor vehicle crash. Ninety-five of the crash occupants (24%) were known to be wearing safety belts. Ten children sustained a "lap belt injury": five with lumbar spine injury, four with combined lumbar spine and intestinal injuries, and one child with intestinal injury. All ten children presented with a characteristic transverse abdominal ecchymosis. The CT scan was unreliable in evaluation of both spinal and intestinal injury. Lateral radiographs were required for definitive diagnosis in eight of nine children with lumbar spinal injury. CT scan was clearly diagnostic in only one of five children with intestinal injury. Children wearing lap belts are at risk of a "lap belt complex". Lateral spine X-rays, peritoneal lavage, and early laparotomy are recommended to establish an accurate diagnosis and to decrease morbidity.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

    428 East Preston Street
    Baltimore, MD  United States  21202
  • Authors:
    • Newman, K D
    • Bowman, L M
    • Eichelberger, M R
    • GOTSCHALL, C S
    • Taylor, G A
    • Johnson, D L
    • Thomas, M
  • Publication Date: 1990-9

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00721554
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-042 053
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: May 29 1996 12:00AM