SCIWORA: Is airbag always protective?

Abstract

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity from trauma. Technological developments have lead to improvements in safety systems designed for motor vehicles. Current motor vehicle security systems such as seatbelts and the airbag are designed for adult-sized persons and may cause unexpected injuries in children with small body masses. In this report we present a case of SCIWORA in a patient associated with the deployment of an airbag during a motor vehicle crash.