Lap-Sash Three Point Seat Belt Fractures of the Cervical Spine

Abstract

Cervical spine injuries associated with three-point fixation lap-sash seat belts result from impact against the sash. While such injuries are infrequent and often without serious neurologic sequelae, they may produce serious deficits with grave injuries. Flexion-extension fractures of the lower cervical vertebrae, fractures of the transverse and spinous processes of the lower cervical and uppermost thoracic vertebrae, discal disruptions, and brachial plexus avulsions may occur. Of the 3 patients reported here, 2 escaped serious damage.