Fatal child cervical spine injuries in motor vehicle collisions: Analysis using unique linked national datasets

Abstract

Aim To improve insight into fatal child cervical spine injuries (CSI) caused by motor vehicle collisions. Method Two large national mortality datasets were linked at the level of the individual decedent to analyse and compare anatomical injuries and vehicle crash characteristics for fatally injured child occupants. Results Cervical spine injury was identified among 176 of 6065 child (age 0–15 years) motor vehicle occupant fatalities. Presence compared with absence of CSI had significant association with female gender, traumatic brain injury and seat restraint, but not with age, vehicle model, year or type, exposure to airbag, severe vehicle intrusion, collision speed or direction, drivability of the vehicle or seating position. Conclusions Cervical spine injury, which was uncommon in the studied subset of child decedents, was associated with female gender, the use of passenger restraints and the presence of traumatic brain injury.