Injury risks to children restrained in 2-point belts have been well described. "Seat belt syndrome," associated with the use of 2-point belts, includes contusion of the abdominal wall, fracture of the lumbar spine, and intra-abdominal injury. Using crash reconstruction methodologies and prospectively collected clinical data, the authors compared injury patterns by restraint type among a sample of 98 belted children. There were no significant differences in injury severity or hospital charges by belt type. There was no difference in the risk of Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) equal to or greater than 2 injury to the head, neck, chest, abdominal contents or extremities by belt type. Children restrained in 3-point belts exhibit a similar pattern of injury to those in 2-point belts, however 3-point belts appear to be protective for lumbar fracture. (A)
Samenvatting