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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Ear dysfunction due to air bag detonation?].

Air bags are among the latest developments in extensive automobile safety systems. They successfully have saved the lives of car occupants in road accidents. Many additional injuries caused by air bags from minor to severe have been reported. With the help of two acceleration sensors, the electronic tuner amplifier records the vehicle's deceleration. This is the adequate trigger for air bag deployment, which creates an intense noise of up to 170 dB sound pressure level. This noise level can cause cochlear damage. We present two patients with otologic symptoms after spontaneous air bag deployment.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Air bags alone compared with the combination of mechanical restraints and air bags: implications for the emergency evaluation of crash victims.

BACKGROUND: Air bags (ABs) may be perceived by the public and physicians as protection for thoracoabdominal injuries. This study compares injury patterns when air bags are used alone with injury patterns when air bags plus mechanical restraints (MRs) are used. METHODS: Patients treated over a 4-year period with emergency medical services-documented AB deployment alone (n = 16) or AB plus MR (n = 22) were identified by trauma registry query. Medical records were reviewed and injuries recorded. RESULTS: Air bag-alone users had more severe overall (injury severity score > or = 15:9 vs 5), chest (abbreviated injury score [AIS] > or = 3:5 vs 1), and abdominal injuries (AIS > or = 3:6 vs 0). They required more tube thoracostomies (5 vs 0) and laparotomies (6 vs 0), longer hospitalizations (11.9 +/- 3.2 vs 5.3 +/- 1.4 days), and more intensive care unit admissions (8 vs 1). Craniofacial injuries (AIS > or = 3:6 vs 6) and fractures were similar. More victims using air bags alone required impatient rehabilitation and some patients died (6 vs 1). CONCLUSIONS: Crash victims using air bags alone (vs AB plus MR) had increased injury severity, hospitalizations, thoracoabdominal procedures, and rehabilitation. Physicians must be aware of the incomplete protection by air bags alone.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗
PubMed1995

Ocular injuries from driver's air bag.

The air bag was introduced in automobiles as a device to reduce serious injuries and fatalities from front angle collisions. Although air bags have reduced the incidence of brain injury in motor vehicle accidents there are published reports of ocular trauma to the driver, secondary to air bag inflation.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1998

Bilateral pneumothorax following air bag deployment.

Air bags have been shown to decrease mortality from automobile accidents. Herein is a unique case of bilateral pneumothorax following deployment and rupture of an air bag with no other associated chest trauma. One may posit that rupture of the air bag allowed high-pressure gases to be expelled into the patient's lungs resulting in explosive barotrauma.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1975

Startle reaction to air-bag restraints.

Air bags in vehicles constitute a means of passive restraint for individuals involved in auto accidents. There is fear, however, that the inadvertent nonaccident-connected deployment of one of these air bags might substantially interfere with the handling of a vehicle in which such deployment occurred. We have found that while physiologic and physical evidence of startle accompanies such unexpected deployment, good control of the vehicle continues to be exercised by the test subjects under the conditions of our experimental protocol.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed2005

Automobile air bags: friend or foe? A case of air bag-associated ocular trauma and a related literature review.

BACKGROUND: Although air bags are placed in automobiles to act as safety devices, they have been shown to carry a risk of injury themselves. Ocular injury, in particular, can often be a direct consequence of air bag deployment. A case of ocular air bag injury is presented. A discussion and review of the current literature on this issue follows. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old man was transferred to our clinic after sustaining injuries related to a motor vehicle accident, during which the automobile's air bag was deployed. Initial examination revealed many signs of blunt ocular trauma of the O.D., including iridodialysis, dislocated lens with traumatic cataract, and traumatic/inflammatory glaucoma. Initial B-scan showed an attached retina O.D. One month later, the patient underwent an attempted pars plana vitrectomy with lensectomy, iris repair, and insertion of an anterior chamber intraocular lens. Complications arose during the procedure, and a total retinal detachment developed. Resultant acuity is no light perception O.D. CONCLUSIONS: Although ocular morbidity can be a direct consequence of air bag deployment, most eye injuries are minimal, and seem to be outweighed by the benefits of air bags. Drivers, as well as passengers, can minimize associated injuries by adhering to specific safety guidelines. This, as well as continual modification and improvement in air bag design, will maximize the safety of air bags and decrease the incidence of vision-threatening ocular injury caused by air bag deployment.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2004

[Injuries to car passengers protected by air bags].

OBJECTIVE: The air bag, like the seatbelt, is a further development of the inside protection of motorcar passengers. However, the airbag has also been made responsible for severe internal injuries. METHODS: In a retrospective case control study, 394 accidents in which the air bag was released were analysed. At least medium severe injuries (Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale: MAIS > or = 2) occurred in 69 cases. Three different patterns of injury were distinguished depending on the level of difficulty of diagnosis by the emergency physician. Damage to the vehicles was scored in five intensities or damage grades. RESULTS: Thoracic injury was most frequently diagnosed in the patients (in 61.5 % of cases), followed by injuries to the lower (50.8 %) and upper extremities (47.7 %). Single injuries with a grade of severity of 2 (MAIS) predominated (59.7 %). In most of the cases the injury was easy to diagnose (64.6 %) because of external signs, in 24.6 % internal injuries were assumed and in only 10.8 % were there no sings of damage to body cavities. Most frequent were occult injuries in the thoracic region (100 %) and in the abdomen (74.4 %). However, occult injuries did not always conform to the grade of deformation to the vehicle, since in 66.7 % the grade of damage was 3. This was not true for the remaining types of injury because external injuries increased with the grade of damage to the vehicle. CONCLUSION: After the release of the air bag, occult injuries of the body cavities have to be expected, even if there are no signs of external injury. Women under 35 years of age are particularly endangered. There exists no minimum velocity for the occurrence of injuries to the body cavities because harm can simply be a result of the release of the air bag.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2001

Burn injuries caused by air bag deployment.

Automobile air bags have gained acceptance as an effective measure to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with motor vehicle accidents. As more cars have become equipped with them, new problems have been encountered that are directly attributable to the deployment of the bag itself. An increasing variety of associated injuries has been reported, including minor burns. We present two automobile drivers who were involved in front-impact crashes with air bag inflation. They sustained superficial and partial-thickness burns related to the deployment. The evaluation of these cases shows mechanisms involved in burn injuries caused by the air bag system. Most of the burns are chemical and usually attributed to sodium hydroxide in the aerosol created during deployment. Also direct thermal burns from high-temperature gases or indirect injuries due to the melting of clothing, as well as friction burns from physical contact are possible. However, the inherent risks of air bag-related burns are still outweighed by the benefits of preventing potentially life-threatening injuries.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1993

Corneal endothelial cell loss induced by air bags.

BACKGROUND: Although the automobile air bag is a safety device used to protect drivers from death and moderate-to-severe injury, recently it also has been reported to be associated with some ophthalmic injuries. The authors have encountered a case in which a normal air bag may have caused a driver's corneal endothelial cell loss. In this study, the authors evaluate corneal endothelial cell loss caused by several types of air bags in the hope that air bag technology may be improved. METHODS: The authors performed impact tests with whole pig eyes fixed in a crash test dummy, using five different types of air bags. The area of damaged corneal endothelial cell was analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: The authors found that corneal endothelial cell loss was correlated with the inflator power of the air bag but not with its weight. CONCLUSION: Although greater inflator power is needed for rapid air bag expansion, the effect on the eye should be considered in further refining this device. There may be greater latitude in the selection of air bag material. The authors believe their technique is applicable to the assessment of many air bag or passenger variables.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2003

The development, validation and application of a finite element upper extremity model subjected to air bag loading.

Both frontal and side air bags can inflict injuries to the upper extremities in cases where the limb is close to the air bag module at the time of impact. Current dummy limbs show qualitatively correct kinematics under air bag loading, but they lack biofidelity in long bone bending and fracture. Thus, an effective research tool is needed to investigate the injury mechanisms involved in air bag loading and to judge the improvements of new air bag designs. The objective of this study is to create an efficient numerical model that exhibits both correct global kinematics as well as localized tissue deformation and initiation of fracture under various impact conditions. The development of the model includes the creation of a sufficiently accurate finite element mesh, the adaptation of material properties from literature into constitutive models and the definition of kinematic constraints at articular joint locations. In order to make the model applicable for full-scale simulations, it was coupled with a computationally efficient human model. The model was validated against available cadaver experiments, including static and dynamic three-point-bending tests to the arm and forearm, as well as frontal air bag to forearm impact tests. The sensitivity of the model to changes in air bag properties and upper limb orientation are demonstrated by performing parametric studies. It is shown that the risk of forearm fracture increases substantially with proximity to the deploying frontal air bag and air bag aggressiveness, which corresponds to experimental findings. However, it is shown that increasing the forearm supination angle is protective for the occurrence of forearm fracture. In conclusion, the developed model proves to be a useful research tool to investigate trends in injury severity as a result of a changing frontal air bag to upper extremity loading environment.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Air bags and the skin.

Air bags, fitted in the majority of new automobiles, are safety devices activated when a sudden deceleration causes the ignition of a propellant cartridge containing sodium azide. The bag is inflated by nitrogen liberated during the combustion. Deployment releases various high-temperature gases, including nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and produces sodium hydroxide, a highly irritant alkaline substance. In about 7%-8% of cases, air bags cause dermatologic injuries such as traumatic lesions, irritant dermatitis, and chemical and thermal burns. Nondermatologic lesions, such as ocular damage (alkali keratitis, corneal abrasions), ear lesions, bone fractures, and contusive damage can also be caused by air bag deployment.

Air Bags↗
PubMed1997

Reductions in deaths in frontal crashes among right front passengers in vehicles equipped with passenger air bags.

CONTEXT: Virtually all new cars now are equipped with passenger air bags. Determining whether passenger air bags are saving lives is important, particularly because passenger air bags have caused some deaths among children and adults. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of passenger air bags in reducing the risk of death in frontal crashes for right front passengers. DESIGN: Air bags are designed to protect occupants in frontal crashes. Using Fatality Analysis Reporting System data for calendar years 1992 through 1995, the relative frequency of right front passenger deaths in frontal vs nonfrontal fatal crashes was compared for cars with dual air bags and for cars with driver-only air bags. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds of right front passengers dying in frontal compared with nonfrontal fatal crashes were computed for 1992 through 1995 model year cars with dual air bags and for cars with driver-only air bags. Percentage reductions in right front passenger deaths in dual air bag vehicles were estimated. RESULTS: Right front passenger fatalities were 18% lower than expected in frontal crashes of cars with dual air bags and 11% lower in all crashes. An estimated 73 fewer than expected right front passengers died in 1992 through 1995 model cars with dual air bags during 1992 through 1995. The risk of frontal crash death for right front passengers in cars with dual air bags was reduced 14% among those reported to be using belts and 23% among belt nonusers. Children younger than 10 years in cars with dual air bags had a 34% increased risk of dying in frontal crashes. CONCLUSIONS: Passenger air bags were associated with substantial reductions in fatalities among right front passengers in frontal crashes. However, more children are being killed than are being saved by air bags. Immediate countermeasures to reduce the dangers of air bags to children and adults are suggested.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2003

Effect of vehicle type on the performance of second generation air bags for child occupants.

Passenger air bags experienced considerable design modification in the late 1990s, principally to mitigate risks to child passengers. This study utilized Data from the Partners for Child Passenger Safety study, a large-scale child-focused crash surveillance system, to examine the effect of vehicle type on the differential performance of first and second generation air bags on injuries to restrained children in frontal impact crashes. Our results show that the benefit of second-generation air bags was seen in passenger cars - those children exposed to second-generation air bags were half as likely to sustain a serious injury - and minivans. However, in SUVs the data suggest no reduction in injury risk with the new designs. This field data provides crucial real-world experience to the automotive industry as they work towards the next generation of air bag designs.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1997

Air bags: an update.

Overwhelming evidence shows that air bags save lives and reduce morbidity associated with MVCs. The resulting benefits far outweigh the risks of air bag injury or death. Emergency nurses play a pivotal role in educating the public about active seat belt use in conjunction with passive restraint systems such as air bags. Air bags cannot be viewed as a single solution or panacea to occupant protection. Air bags are designed as supplemental devices to be used with seat belts and require the active participation of the user for maximum benefit and safety.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2000

Air bag injury and the dermatologist.

Most new car models have driver-side air bags and many also have passenger-side and side-impact air bags. Air bags are known to be dangerous to small children and may cause death, fractures, and cerebral spinal injury. However, the cutaneous manifestations of air bag injury are less well known. Additional potential air bag injuries include retinal damage and high-frequency hearing loss. The following case report illustrates significant burns from a low-impact air bag injury and reviews the pertinent literature.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Isolated intrathoracic injury with air bag use.

The restrained (air bag and seatbelt) driver of a vehicle involved in a high-speed motor-vehicle accident sustained a tear of the thoracic aorta with no signs of external injury. Air bag deployment may mask significant internal injury, and a high index of suspicion is warranted in such situations.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2002

Burn injury secondary to air bag deployment.

The efficacy of air bags has been proven in diminishing the rate of fatalities and severity of injury in motor vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, as with any developing technology, new problems have been encountered that are directly attributable to the deployment of the air bag itself. Most air bag-related injuries are minor and, surprisingly, more than 7% are burns typically involving the upper extremity or head or neck. Fortunately, these are superficial burns that usually require only expectant therapy, but a high degree of suspicion in these circumstances is needed to make the proper diagnosis.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ocular injuries related to air bag inflation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of air bags as a safety device in decreasing fatalities and reducing morbidity in frontal impact motor vehicle accidents has been well established. However, case reports have surfaced documenting ocular injuries related to air bag inflation. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze ocular injuries sustained during air bag inflation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hospital emergency room records were reviewed retrospectively for a period of 4 years for patients who had sustained ocular injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Those injuries associated with air bag inflation were analyzed as to the nature of the injury, type of vehicle, speed, and visual morbidity. RESULTS: Fourteen cases of ocular injury related to air bag inflation were identified. Hyphema (nine cases) and cornea abrasion (eight cases) were the most common. Three cases, all patients who had been wearing glasses, sustained serious and permanent ocular damage. CONCLUSION: While air bags are an unequivocal safety feature, ocular injuries do occur that are related to air bag inflation. Eyeglass wear may present an additional risk factor.

Accidents, Traffic↗