The continued burden of spine fractures after motor vehicle crashes

Abstract

Among drivers and front-seat passengers admitted to the hospital after MVCs, the occurrence of spine fractures increased from 1994 to 2002 despite concomitant increases in seat belt and air bag use. However, the occurrence of severe spine fractures did not increase over the study period. The use of both seat belt and air bag is protective against spine fractures. Although the overall increased occurrence of spine fractures may appear contrary to the increased use of seat belts and air bags in general, it is possible that improved imaging technology may be associated with an increase in the diagnosis of relatively minor fractures. However, given the significant protective effects of both seat belt and air bag use against spine fractures, resources should continue to be dedicated toward increasing their use to mitigate the effects of MVCs.