O'Kelly F, O'Brien GC, Broe PJ. Severe abdominal injuries sustained in an adult wearing a pelvic seatbelt: a case report and review of the literature.
Ir J Med Sci 2008;
177:385-7. [PMID:
18820990 DOI:
10.1007/s11845-008-0215-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In automobile accidents, the "seatbelt syndrome" (SBS) consists of a constellation of injuries, predominantly involving thoraco-lumbar vertebral fractures and intraabdominal organ injury. A recent amendment to Irish legislation has made the wearing of seatbelts mandatory for all rear seated passengers in an effort to protect children. Whilst rear seatbelts result in a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality following road traffic accidents (RTA), we present a case in which the rear lap seatbelt caused severe abdominal injuries. It is evident that the current rear seat lapbelt system is an inferior design associated with a significant morbidity and mortality when compared to three-point harness system and consideration should be given to replacing them in all motor vehicles.
Collapse