INTESTINAL STRICTURE FOLLOWING SEAT-BELT INJURY IN CHILDREN

The most commonly reported intestinal injury from seat belts in childr en is perforation. A rarely reported late sequela following this type of injury is posttraumatic intestinal stricture (PTIS). A review of th e literature reveals a common clinical pattern of presentation in chil dren and adults but an apparent difference in the pathophysiologic mec hanism between the pediatric and adult patient. Recently, we treated t wo children with PTIS. Each case is discussed, and a pathophysiologica l mechanism for this injury in children is proposed. Recommendations a re made for the evaluation and treatment of these uncommon complicatio ns of seat belt-related blunt intestinal injury. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company