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Seat belt fracture

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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These are typically, flexion / detraction injuries to the lumbar spine. The pelvis is anchored by the lap-strap and following rapid deceleration in a road traffic accident, the victim is thrown forwards against the belt. The vertebral body may be split and severely displaced.

The fracture may be managed conservatively - bed rest for 6 weeks with a plaster jacket afterwards. The patient should be nursed with the spine in extension.


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