What type of fracture is associated with Seatbelt Syndrome?

Seatbelt Syndrome is associated with a specific type of fracture known as a Chance fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs due to an injury mechanism where the body is subjected to flexion forces while restrained by a seatbelt during a motor vehicle accident. The Chance fracture usually involves a horizontal fracture through the vertebral body and can often entail a fracture of the posterior elements as well.

The mechanism is characterized by the seatbelt causing a flexion-distraction injury, leading to the bone being split. This type of injury is crucial to identify because it may also indicate the presence of significant intra-abdominal injuries or other associated trauma due to the forces involved.

This fracture type highlights the importance of recognizing trauma patterns in patients who have sustained injuries from vehicle accidents and reinforces the significance of using seatbelts responsibly while understanding the potential injuries they can cause in certain scenarios.