The applicability of a computer model for predicting head injury incurred during actual motor vehicle collisions.

Background: Head injury is a significant cause of both morbidity and mortality. Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are the most common source of head injury in the United States. No studies have conclusively determined the applicability of computer models for accurate prediction of head injuries sustained in actual MVCs.

The evolution of chest computed tomography for the definitive diagnosis of blunt aortic injury: a single-center experience.

Background: Chest computed tomography (CT) is an excellent screening tool for blunt aortic injuries (BAIs). Aortography is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosis. Recent evidence suggests that new-generation, multislice, helical CT technology can accurately diagnose BAI.

Association between side air bags and risk of injury in motor vehicle collisions with near-side impact.

Background: Side air bags (SABs) have been introduced in an attempt to reduce the risk of injury in near-side-impact motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). The impact of SABs on MVC-related mortality and morbidity has yet to be evaluated with a large population-based study. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SABs in reducing the risk of injury or death in near-side-impact MVCs.

Occupant- and collision-related risk factors for blunt thoracic aorta injury.

Background: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BAI) is a rare and highly lethal injury. We sought to identify occupant and collision characteristics associated with motor vehicle collision (MVC)-related BAI.

Methods: The 1995 to 2000 National Automotive Sampling System data files were used.

Relationship between age and lower extremity fractures in frontal motor vehicle collisions.

Background: Older adults (aged > or = 65 years) represent the single fastest growing segment of the United States population and will comprise one in five Americans during the third decade of this century. As this population segment rapidly expands, lower extremity fractures (LE Fx) and their associated disability will become a greater public health concern. The purpose of this study was to quantify the risk for LE Fx from motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) according to age.

Injury rates among restrained drivers in motor vehicle collisions: the role of body habitus.

Background: Previous studies have examined the independent effects of occupant height, obesity, and body mass index in motor vehicle collisions and identified related injury patterns. The hypothesis of this study was that as the driver's body habitus diverges from the 50% percentile male Hybrid III Crash Dummy (H3CD), the frequency of injury changes.

Methods: The 1995 to 1999 National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System was used.

Incidence and characteristics of motor vehicle collision-related blunt thoracic aortic injury according to age.

Background: Motor vehicle collision-related blunt thoracic aorta injury (BAI) is rare and highly lethal. Vascular disease as related to advancing age potentially subjects older adults to increased risk of BAI; the mechanisms associated with such injuries may be different as compared with younger adults. The goal of the present study is to test this hypothesis using population-based data.