Airbag-induced fracture in a patient with osteoporosis.
Since the introduction of automotive airbag technology, patterns of airbag-induced injuries have emerged. Various types of upper-extremity trauma including fractures have been described. Previous reports have focused on the location of the forearm before deployment as the major determinant of fracture. We describe a case of forearm fracture resulting from an airbag deployment in a lupus patient with documented osteoporosis. Bone strength has recently been determined in laboratory testing to be an important factor determining airbag-induced fracture risk. An airbag-induced forearm fracture in an otherwise healthy individual may be an indicator of reduced bone strength.
Burns Clinic Medical Center, Petosky, Michigan, USA.
C J
CJ
Huebner
M P
MP
Reed
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D017278:Air Bags / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015519:Bone Density; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D003100:Colles' Fracture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications*; D011859:Radiography; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy