Seat belt injuries: radiologic findings and clinical correlation.
The seat belt syndrome consists of skeletal, soft-tissue, and visceral injuries associated with use of two- and three-point restraints in patients involved in motor vehicle accidents. Skin abrasions of the neck, chest, and abdomen--the classic seat belt sign--indicate internal injury in 30% of cases. Neck abrasions are associated with injuries to the carotid artery, larynx, and cervical spine; chest abrasions, with fractures of the sternum, ribs, and clavicles and injuries to the heart and thoracic aorta; and abdominal abrasions, with mesenteric tears, bowel perforation and hematoma, Chance fractures, and injuries to the abdominal aorta. The seat belt sign should prompt a diligent search for related injuries.
Hayes
C W
CW
Department of Radiology, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
Conway
W F
WF
Walsh
J W
JW
Coppage
L
L
Gervin
A S
AS
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D019838:Neck Injuries; D012622:Seat Belts; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology