• Matthew W Goldman, Paul A MacLennan, Gerald McGwin, Donald H Lee, Dierick R Sparks, and Loring W Rue.
• Center for Injury Sciences at University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
• J Orthop Trauma. 2005 Sep 1;19(8):529-34.

ObjectivesThis study was designed to investigate the relationship between upper extremity (UE) injuries and occupant restraint systems among front seat occupants who were involved in frontal motor vehicle collisions (MVCs).DesignCase-control.SettingThe 1995 through 2002 National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) Crashworthiness Data System (CDS).ParticipantsSubjects were identified from the NASS-CDS. All cases sustained an UE injury with a > or = 2 Abbreviated Injury Scale Score.OutcomesOdds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated comparing risk of UE in 3 mutually exclusive restraint system groups (seatbelt-only, airbag-only, seatbelt-airbag-combined) to the unrestrained group. Data analysis was adjusted for significant occupant, vehicle, and collision characteristics.ResultsSeatbelt-only occupants had a reduced UE injury risk (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.76). Near null associations were found for airbag-only (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.68-1.76) and seatbelt-airbag-combined (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.56-1.69).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that UE injuries may become more common as a result of MVCs as the proportion of airbags in motor vehicles increases.

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