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Severe abdominal injuries sustained in an adult wearing a pelvic seatbelt: a case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

In automobile accidents, the “seatbelt syndrome” (SBS) consists of a constellation of injuries, predominantly involving thoraco-lumbar vertebral fractures and intraabdominal organ injury. A recent amendment to Irish legislation has made the wearing of seatbelts mandatory for all rear seated passengers in an effort to protect children. Whilst rear seatbelts result in a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality following road traffic accidents (RTA), we present a case in which the rear lap seatbelt caused severe abdominal injuries. It is evident that the current rear seat lapbelt system is an inferior design associated with a significant morbidity and mortality when compared to three-point harness system and consideration should be given to replacing them in all motor vehicles.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Academic Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    F. O’Kelly, G. C. O’Brien & P. J. Broe

  2. Department of General and Academic Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, Ireland

    P. J. Broe

Authors
  1. F. O’Kelly
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  2. G. C. O’Brien
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  3. P. J. Broe
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Correspondence to P. J. Broe.

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O’Kelly, F., O’Brien, G.C. & Broe, P.J. Severe abdominal injuries sustained in an adult wearing a pelvic seatbelt: a case report and review of the literature. Ir J Med Sci 177, 385–387 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0215-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0215-2

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