• Zachary L Gordon, Robert J Gillespie, Todd A Ponsky, Edward M Barksdale, and George H Thompson.
• Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatric General Surgery, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
• J Pediatr Orthop. 2009 Dec 1; 29 (8): 856-9.

AbstractPediatric Chance fractures are uncommon injuries. They are the result of a flexion-distraction force applied to the spine, and most commonly occur from motor vehicle accidents in which passengers are wearing lap seat belts as opposed to 3-point restraints with a chest strap. Neurologic injuries are rarely associated with Chance fractures in children, but accompanying intraabdominal injuries are often found and carry a potential for significant morbidity. We present 3 siblings in a minivan who were involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident and as a result of wearing their 3-point restraints improperly, suffered Chance fractures. None had neurologic dysfunction, but 2 had serious intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical repair. All 3 Chance fractures were treated with cast immobilization. This case report shows the importance of wearing 3-point restraints properly while traveling in a motor vehicle.

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