Samenvatting
Crash injury reduction via lap-shoulder belt use has been well documented. Like any other interior car component, lap-shoulder belts may be related to injury in certain crashes. Relatively unknown is the fact that cervical fractures or fracture-dislocations to restrained front seat occupants occur where no head contact was evidenced by both medical records and car inspection. A review of the available literature on car crash injuries revealed more than 100 such cases. A review of the National Accident Sampling System (NASS) 80-88 was also conducted, revealing more examples. Case capsule descriptions from the authors' files are detailed along with examples of such injuries in infants and children in child restraints.