C5-6 Cervical Dislocation Resulting from Improper Seat Belt Use |
| |
| Authors: | Edmund H Frank MD Steven E Pennington MD Timothy L Keenen MD Pamela Frankel RN MS |
| |
| Institution: | Oregon Health Sciences University, Department of Surgery Division of Neurosurgery;Division of Orthopedics, Oregon Health Sciences University;Trauma Research Department, Oregon Health Sciences University. |
| |
| Abstract: | Motorists may improperly use the diagonal shoulder belt of newer passive restraint systems by failing to use the lap belt. An unusual case of a patient who did not wear a lap belt and who sustained a cervical C5–6 distraction injury resulting in quadriplegia is reported. Emergency physicians should be aware of this injury mechanism and should reinforce proper passive restraint use. |
| |
| Keywords: | scat belt injury automobile fracture dislocation cervical spine passive restraint system |
|
