Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
15:11

Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling

Published on: January 5, 2015

Three siblings with Chance fractures: the importance of 3-point restraints

Zachary L Gordon1, Robert J Gillespie, Todd A Ponsky

  • 1Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatric General Surgery, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Improperly worn seatbelts can cause pediatric Chance fractures, a rare spinal injury. This case highlights the risk of associated intra-abdominal injuries in children, even without neurological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Traumatology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Pediatric Chance fractures are uncommon spinal injuries resulting from flexion-distraction forces.
  • These injuries are often associated with motor vehicle accidents, particularly with lap-only seatbelt use.
  • While neurologic deficits are rare, intra-abdominal injuries are a significant concern in pediatric Chance fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case series of three siblings who sustained Chance fractures.
  • To emphasize the role of improper seatbelt use in pediatric spinal injuries.
  • To highlight the potential for associated intra-abdominal injuries in pediatric Chance fractures.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of three siblings involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident.
  • Review of injury patterns, including spinal and intra-abdominal trauma.
  • Description of treatment, including cast immobilization for Chance fractures.

Main Results:

  • All three siblings sustained Chance fractures due to improper use of 3-point restraints.
  • No neurological deficits were observed in any of the siblings.
  • Two siblings suffered serious intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Proper use of 3-point restraints is crucial for preventing pediatric Chance fractures.
  • Intra-abdominal injuries are a significant complication to consider in pediatric Chance fractures, even without neurological compromise.
  • Cast immobilization was an effective treatment for these pediatric Chance fractures.

More Related Videos

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device04:19

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device

Published on: November 8, 2024

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects07:35

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects

Published on: April 11, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings01:29

Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or inconsistent. For...
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Three Force Member01:27

Three Force Member

A rigid body subjected to three forces acting at three points is known as a three-force member. These forces must have concurrent lines of action, except for parallel forces, where the lines of action are parallel.
For example, consider a dumpster connected to a pin support at point A and a pin attached to a hydraulic cylinder at point B.
Flail Chest-I01:24

Flail Chest-I

Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...