Airbag Module Cover Injuries

Abstract

Serious and fatal injuries can be sustained when anatomic structures are in close proximity to an airbag module cover at the moment of airbag deployment. Three cases of injuries in vehicle operators associated with airbag module covers are reviewed and discussed. Injuries ranged from the traumatic avulsion of a thumb to the development of a subdural hematoma with associated cerebral edema and respiratory arrest. Motor vehicle operators should be aware that although airbags can significantly reduce the severity of injuries sustained in frontal collisions the module cover has the potential to inflict serious, even fatal injuries.

Airbag-Induced Thumb Avulsion: Two Case Reports

“…For hand injuries caused directly by the deploying airbag this distance should not be a factor as the driver's hands are usually in close proximity to the steering wheel [9]. In fact, the main predisposing factor seems to be the hand position during the airbag deployment, particularly for the steering wheel airbag [1,6,8].…”

Pneumothorax, without chest wall fracture, following airbag deployment

“…These include non-deployment, spontaneous deployment, the pyrotechnic used, expansion of the bag, contact with the bag, and over-rapid deflation. 9,24,25 A pattern of mostly minor injuries secondary to air bag deployment in correctly restrained occupants has emerged. 26 There is also accumulating evidence that on rare occasions there is a potential for more serious injury.…”

Fatal Air Bag Mediated Craniocervical Trauma in a Child

“…Even though the mass of an air bag itself is small, the bag's fab ric inflates at a rate of 140-200 mph. becoming fully inflated 35-50 ms after an impact [9,11], Fully inflated, the bag is several inches thick with a diameter somewhat greater than that of the steering wheel. The gases within the air bag are then vented, and the bag deflates, often times faster than the driver's perception.…”