The effect of impact velocity (delta V) on development of injury complications in multiple trauma motor vehicle crash patients

Dischinger, Patricia C.; Siegel, John H.; Ho, Shiu M.; Kufera, Joseph A.

Affiliations

¹National Study Center for Trauma and EMS, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland

²New Jersey Medical School, Dept. of Surgery, New Jersey Trauma Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey

Abstract

Medical complications such as sepsis or multiple organ system failure increase the morbidity and mortality associated with injuries due to car crashes. This study addresses the question of the association, if any, between crash characteristics and subsequent complications. Data were obtained as part of an in-depth, trauma center-based study of the biomechanics of vehicular trauma. Factors found to be predictive of the presence of complications included patient age, delta v≥30 mph, and lung injury. Those vehicle occupants involved in crashes with a delta v≥30 mph had a risk of complications 14 times greater than for those in the lower delta v group. Better knowledge of the dynamics and severity of the crash could help clinical staff with tertiary prevention efforts.

Cited Works (4)

Year	Entry
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