Air Bag-Associated Injury to a Child in the Front Passenger Seat

Authors:
  • DCDennis Chute
    Dennis Chute
  • SRStephen Radentz
    Stephen Radentz
  • MGMario Golle
    Mario Golle
  • JTJuan C. Troncoso
    Juan C. Troncoso
  • JSJohn E. Smialek
    John E. Smialek
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Abstract
We report the case of a 3.5-year-old front seat passenger who suffered significant head and neck injuries as a result of air bag deployment in a collision of <30 mph. These lesions included multiple abrasions of the lower half of the face, nose, forehead, and right ear, torn frenula, conjunctival petechiae, comminuted fractures of the left and right lateral frontal regions and right parietal bone, diastatic fracture of the coronal suture, subgaleal and subarachnoid hemorrhages, cortical contusions, subluxation of the atlantooccipital joint, and fracture of the C4 vertebral body. These lesions are consistent with trauma secondary to the deploying air bag and the head striking the interior of the car. The findings in this case further support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of keeping children properly restrained, preferably in the back seat, or as far as possible from air bags.

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