Trauma from tire and rim explosions: A retrospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to review injuries occurring as a result of tire and rim explosions treated at a level I trauma center.


METHODS
The retrospective audit evaluated the university hospital trauma database based on ICD-9 code to isolate patients sustaining tire and rim explosion injuries. A total of 12 complete patient records were derived from this search to allow determination of injuries and outcome assessments.


RESULTS
Injury patterns from tire and rim explosions were categorized in terms of anatomic region, treatment and hospitalization, disposition, and outcome assessment. Maxillofacial injuries were further subdivided into specific injuries involving a total of 7 patients from this case series.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant blast injuries can result from tire and rim explosions, which can often involve the maxillofacial region due to proximity to the source. Reductions in injuries have been seen since the implementation of physical safety measures by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Highway Transportation Safety Board.
Sheperd
Robert S
RS
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Ziccardi
Vincent B
VB
Livingston
David
D
Lavery
Robert
R
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001336:Automobiles; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000209:etiology; D005107:Explosions; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome