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. 2008 Apr;13(4):279-83.
doi: 10.1093/pch/13.4.279.

The spectrum of seat belt syndrome among Canadian children: Results of a two-year population surveillance study

Miriam Santschi  1 , Claude Lemoine, Claude Cyr
Affiliations

The spectrum of seat belt syndrome among Canadian children: Results of a two-year population surveillance study

Miriam Santschi et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2008 Apr.

Abstract
in English, French

Background: Seat belts have been proven to save lives. However, if they are not properly fitted, 'seat belt syndrome' can occur. The aim of the present study was to describe injuries encountered in Canadian children with seat belt-associated injuries.

Methods: Canadian paediatricians and paediatric subspecialists were surveyed monthly through the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program. Children younger than 18 years of age who were restrained in motor vehicles at the time of a collision, with abdominal or thoracolumbar spine injuries, were included. The children may have been restrained in child safety seats, booster seats, or two- or three-point seat belts.

Results: Twenty-eight children, between two and 16 years of age, with injuries compatible with seat belt syndrome were reported in Canada between September 2003 and August 2005. Although 12 children were younger than eight years of age, only one was restrained in a booster seat and only four of the older children were properly restrained with a three-point seat belt. Twenty-four children had abdominal injuries. Of these, 18 had stomach and/or intestinal injuries and 11 had solid organ injuries. Twelve patients had a spinal fracture, including only five Chance-type fractures. Seven patients presented with paraplegia, and none of them recovered.

Conclusion: In Canada, over a two-year period, 28 children were reported to have sustained injuries consistent with seat belt syndrome; seven of these children remained paraplegic. These results emphasize the necessity to review restraints in motor vehicles to adequately protect children.

HISTORIQUE: Il est démontré que la ceinture de sécurité sauve des vies. Cependant, si elle est mal ajustée, il y a un risque de « syndrome de la ceinture de sécurité ». La présente étude visait à décrire les lésions subies chez les enfants canadiens atteints de blessures reliées à la ceinture de sécurité.

MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les auteurs ont interrogé les pédiatres et pédiatres avec surspécialité canadiens tous les mois par l’entremise du Programme canadien de surveillance pédiatrique. Les enfants de moins de 18 ans attachés dans un véhicule automobile au moment d’une collision et qui avaient subi des lésions abdominales ou de la colonne thoracolombaires ont été inclus dans l’étude. Les enfants pouvaient être retenus dans un siège d’auto pour enfant, un siège d’appoint ou au moyen d’une ceinture de sécurité à double ou triple point d’appui.

RÉSULTATS: Vingt-huit enfants de deux à 16 ans ayant subi des blessures compatibles avec un syndrome de la ceinture de sécurité ont été déclarés au Canada entre septembre 2003 et août 2005. Bien que 12 enfants aient eu moins de huit ans, seulement un était retenu dans un siège d’appoint et seulement quatre des enfants plus âgés l’étaient correctement au moyen d’une ceinture de sécurité à triple point d’appui. Vingt-quatre enfants souffraient de lésions abdominales. De ce nombre, 18 avaient des lésions stomacales ou intestinales et 11, des lésions des organes pleins. Douze patients souffraient de fractures lombaires, dont seulement cinq fractures de type Chance. Sept patients étaient paraplégiques, et aucun ne s’est rétabli.

CONCLUSION: Au Canada, sur une période de deux ans, on a déclaré 28 enfants ayant subi des lésions compatibles avec le syndrome de la ceinture de sécurité, dont sept sont demeurés paraplégiques. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité de revoir les dispositifs de sécurité des véhicules automobiles afin de protéger les enfants correctement.

Keywords: Abdominal injuries; Booster seat; Child; Seat belt; Spinal cord injury.

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Figures

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Figure 1
Seat restraints used per age group
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