Pediatric seat belt injuries

Am Surg. 1997 Mar;63(3):294-8.

Abstract

Two cases are reported that reiterate the significance of pediatric seat belt usage. Detection of associated injuries is difficult and often delayed. The presence of intra-abdominal free fluid on CT without solid organ injury should indicate the need for surgical intervention. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage usage in pediatric seat belt trauma may need to be re-evaluated. These cases emphasize the above as well as important postinjury clinical changes necessary for earlier diagnosis. A newly designed youth seat belt is presented to help prevent these injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone
  • Humans
  • Jejunum / injuries*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Seat Belts / adverse effects*
  • Spinal Fractures / etiology*