Citation

Campbell DJ, Sprouse LR, Smith LA, Kelley JE, Carr MG. Am. Surg. 2003; 69(12): 1095-1099.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga Unit, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Southeastern Surgical Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14700298

Abstract

Children restrained with lap belts may sustain

severe injuries. We investigated the frequency of each type of injury associated

with seatbelt contusions. The medical records of all trauma patients with ICD-9

codes for abdominal wall contusions from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2001,

were reviewed. All patients with seatbelt contusions were included in the study.

Age, seat position, weight, restraint-type, sex, and mechanism of injury were

noted. There were 1447 admissions for trauma over the 3-year period. Forty-six

patients (ages 4-13) had a seatbelt contusion. Thirty-three wore lap belts, and

13 wore lap and shoulder harnesses. Twenty-two children required abdominal

exploration. Small bowel injuries were the most common intra-abdominal injuries.

Facial injuries were the most common associated injuries. Forty-eight per cent

of children with seatbelt contusions in our institution required surgery. The

smaller patients tend to have higher frequency of abdominal injuries. The

presence of seatbelt contusion indicates the possibility of severe internal

injuries.