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Preventing motor vehicle crashes related spine injuries in children
Mohammad R Rasouli1, Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar, Radin Maheronnaghsh
1Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) in children. Safer behaviors, roads, and vehicles are crucial for preventing these devastating injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) in children leads to permanent disability.
- Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the primary cause of traumatic SCI in children, accounting for 29% of cases.
- Understanding MVC-related SCI mechanisms and risk factors is critical for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the types and mechanisms of MVC-related spinal column and spinal cord injuries in children.
- To identify risk factors, safety issues, and legislative aspects related to MVC-related SCI.
- To inform prevention strategies for reducing pediatric SCI from motor vehicle accidents.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed.
- Search terms included pediatric, spine, injury, trauma, restraint, seat belt, motor vehicle, crash, and safety.
- Cross-referencing of discovered articles was performed to ensure thoroughness.
Main Results:
- Key risk factors for MVC-related SCI include single-vehicle crashes, rollovers, and passenger ejection.
- The incidence of SCI has decreased with the increased use of three-point seat belts compared to lap belts alone.
- Airbag use without seatbelts increases the risk of cervical spine fractures; vehicle design should prioritize rollover prevention and occupant protection.
Conclusions:
- MVCs are a significant cause of SCI in children, necessitating focus on prevention.
- Prevention and education are vital to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric SCI.
- Enhancing safety in behavior, roads, and vehicles can substantially decrease MVC-related SCI in children.
Background:
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that results in permanent disability for injured children. Among all etiologies of SCI, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause and account for 29% of all traumatic SCIs in children. We tried to evaluate types and mechanisms of MVC-related spinal column and spinal cord injuries, risk factors, safety issues and legislation.
Data Sources:
A literature review was performed using PubMed from 1966 to 12th April 2010 with the following key words: children OR pediatric, spine, injury OR trauma, restraint, seat belt, motor vehicle, road OR traffic, collision OR crash, safety. Cross referencing of discovered articles was also performed.
Results:
Risk factors for MVC-related SCI include single vehicle crashes, vehicle rollover, and ejection of the passenger from the vehicle. Any anatomic region of the spinal cord may be injured as a result of MVC and may vary according to the type of accident and restraint system usage. Increasing use of three-point seat belts, which are more protective than isolated lap seat belts, has decreased the incidence of MVC-related SCI. There is evidence that airbag use without seatbelt use is associated with an increased risk of cervical spine fractures with or without SCI. Vehicle designers need to give more attention to the prevention of vehicle rollover and to improve occupant protection when rollover occurs.
Conclusions:
MVC is a common cause of SCI in children; therefore, paying attention to risk factors and modes of prevention is important. As MVC-related SCI can lead to permanent disability, prevention and education play an important role in decreasing childrens' morbidity and mortality. Making behavior, roads and vehicles safer can significantly reduce MVC-related SCI in children.
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