Citation

al-Qahtani S, O'Connor G. Can. J. Surg. 1996; 39(4): 317-320.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8697323

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence and severity of acetabular fractures and associated injuries before and after seatbelt legislation. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Two major trauma centres, which are teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: Three hundred and ninety-three patients who sustained acetabular fractures during the 5 years before and 5 years after seatbelt legislation was enacted. Of these, the fractures in 198 patients (50.4%) resulted from a motor vehicle accident. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number and severity of acetabular fractures and associated injuries. RESULTS: There has been a significant reduction in the number of acetabular fractures (p = 0.005) since seatbelt use became mandatory, and the complexity of the fractures has decreased. There has also been a marked reduction in associated injuries, such as fractures of other bones, and head, chest and abdominal injuries (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The seatbelt law has been a useful preventive measure, resulting in a reduction in the incidence of acetabular fractures and associated injuries.

Language: en