Seat belt bruising could be a sign of an auto accident spinal cord injury for children

Following an auto accident, signs of seatbelt bruising on a child should warrant a search for more serious problems.  A study published this month in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine indicates that a child lap belt injury may be associated with an increased risk of a spinal cord injury, vertebral fracture or abdominal injury. 

Lap belt injuries, often referred to as “seat belt syndrome”, could appear to be a minimal problem at first, but may involve a more serious spine or abdomen injury.  It could be a sign of problems such as ruptured organs, damage to major blood vessels, spine fractures, rib fractures, sternum fractures and clavicle fractures.

Researchers reviewed data from 10 years of published auto accident studies involving children.  They found that 40% of children with spinal fractures had abdominal wall bruises and 46% had internal injury following the auto accident.  The presence of abdominal wall bruising was directly associated with an increase in the number of vertebral fractures, spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries.

Researchers indicated that a high level of suspicion should be maintained following an auto accident, since the consequences of a missed spinal cord injury could have devastating conesquences.

AUTO ACCIDENT SPINAL CORD INJURY LAWYERS

Eric Saiontz is a Maryland auto accident lawyer, who is also licensed in Virginia and Pennsylvania.  To review a potential accident claim, request a free case evaluation.