Fatal laryngeal injury in an achondroplastic dwarf secondary to airbag deployment

Pediatr Emerg Care. 1999 Aug;15(4):260-1.

Abstract

We report the case of an unrestrained driver with achondroplastic dwarfism who suffered a fatal anterior neck injury when her airbag deployed as she rear-ended another vehicle at 30-40 mph. Her short stature and short limbs required her to sit within a handbreadth of the steering wheel, which probably allowed the airbag or airbag cover to strike her neck as it opened. This is the first reported case of fatal injury to a driver with achondroplastic dwarfism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Achondroplasia / complications*
  • Adolescent
  • Air Bags / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Larynx / injuries*
  • Neck Injuries / etiology*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / etiology