The influence of certain factors on the specific features of the injuries inflicted to the children involved in the motor vehicle traffic accidents

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the influence of the age of the child, its location in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the application of the safety seat belts on the frequency of the injuries inflicted to the children involved in the motor vehicle traffic accidents. The analysis of the relevant clinical materials has demonstrated the non-uniform influence of the factors being evaluated on the specific features of the injuries to the different parts of the children's body. The age of the child was found to have the most pronounced effect on the character of the injuries. Direct correlation was documented between the age and the frequency and severity of the injuries to the body and bone of the lower legs whereas the frequency and severity of the fractures of the femoral bones as well as of the craniocerebral traumas showed inverse correlation with the age. The bones of the upper arm and the forearm are most frequently fractured in the 3-6-year-old children. The location of the child in the passenger compartment at the moment of the accident also influences the character of the injury. The front seat passengers most frequently suffer the severe injuries to the head and the fractures of the lower extremities. The injuries to the body and the fractures of the upper extremities occur more frequently in the children occupying the back seats. Fixation of the children with the safety belts is an important factor having the influence on the frequency and severity of the injuries caused to the body and the lower extremities in the children in the passenger compartment of a car. The absence of fixation increases the occurrence of injuries to the internal organs of the chest and abdominal cavities and of the fractures of the thoracic and pelvic bones. Moreover, the frequency of fractures of the femoral, mid- and lower leg bones increases.