title: Seat belt injuries: radiologic findings and clinical correlation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Conway
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Coppage
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gervin
mesh_terms: 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