Seat belt-related injuries: A surgical perspective

Seat Belt Injury and Efferent Loop Laceration Following a Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch: A Case Report

Blunt abdominal trauma patients who have had prior bariatric procedures may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) is a modified duodenal switch procedure that is relatively uncommon. This case report describes a patient who previously underwent a SADI-S for the management of obesity and subsequently sustained a seat belt injury in a motor vehicle collision resulting in a laceration of the efferent loop. The patient presented with symptoms of acute abdominal pain and was diagnosed through imaging studies. Prompt surgical intervention was performed with resection and primary anastomosis of the damaged section of the jejunum, and repair of a large mesenteric laceration. We discuss the importance of early recognition and intraoperative decision-making in the case of this patient concerning her SADI-S.

The Documentation of Injuries Caused by Traffic Accidents

BACKGROUND

Persons injured in traffic accidents may have injuries of characteristic types that are of significance for the complex reconstruction of the accident and whose medicolegally sound clinical documentation is highly important. This is of particular relevance for the approximately 55 000 persons who are severely injured in traffic accidents in Germany each year. Gaps in documentation are often disadvantageous for the injured persons.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature review, with additional consideration of relevant textbooks in traffic medicine and legal medicine, as well as the guidelines of the AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany).

RESULTS

Injuries in traffic accidents typically differ depending on the mode of participation of the injured person in traffic. They must be examined with a view toward the sequence of events of the accident and documented in medicolegally sound fashion. In particular, because of the different mechanical forces involved, it is important to document the seat that the injured person occupied in the automobile, the nature of the collision (pedestrian vs. automobile; bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter, and motorcycle accidents), and the protective devices that were in use.

CONCLUSION

The precise documentation of injuries and examination findings, with critical consideration of their plausibility in relation to the sequence of events of the accident as far as it is known, is an important duty of the physician. This documentation serves as the basis for further judicial steps leading to compensation when legally appropriate.

The Impact of Protective Devices Across the Spectrum of Trauma Care and Across Racial Groupings

INTRODUCTION

Protective devices such as seat belts and helmets save lives. Most studies only address one aspect of the injury profile - compliance or mortality - not the entire spectrum of trauma care, and little attention is paid to racial differences in the use or impact of protective devices.

METHODS

Patients with blunt mechanisms where using protective devices would be expected were included and were divided into utilizing (P) vs not utilizing protection (Non-P). Chart review included demographics, injuries sustained, hemodynamics, and blood alcohol level. Outcomes included need for emergent operation, complications and death.

RESULTS

Non-P patients were more likely male, presented at night and intoxicated. Highest risk behavior (intoxicated Non-P) presented at night (25.7% of nighttime presentations), and rarely during daytime (6.7% daytime presentations). Non-P were more likely hypotensive and sustain a traumatic brain injury. No race related differences were noted among young patients. Among older (>/=50 years) patients, White patients were least likely Non-P and least likely presented at night. Non-P required more emergent operative intervention, ICU admission, and longer hospital stay. Overall, Non-P was associated with increased risk of death (OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.28 - 2.11).

CONCLUSION

Given unique age and racial differences, we advocate for culturally and age specific public service campaigns.

Effects of Bone Cross-Link Bridging on Fracture Mechanism and Surgical Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Spine Fractures

STUDY DESIGN

This study adopted a cross-sectional study design.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the effects of bone cross-link bridging on fracture mechanism and surgical outcomes in vertebral fractures using the maximum number of vertebral bodies with bony bridges between adjacent vertebrae without interruption (maxVB).

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

The complex interplay of bone density and bone bridging in the elderly can complicate vertebral fractures, necessitating a better understanding of fracture mechanics.

METHODS

We examined 242 patients (age >60 years) who underwent surgery for thoracic to lumbar spine fractures from 2010 to 2020. Subsequently, the maxVB was classified into three groups: maxVB (0), maxVB (2-8), and maxVB (9-18), and parameters, including fracture morphology (new Association of Osteosynthesis classification), fracture level, and neurological deficits were compared. In a sub-analysis, 146 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures were classified into the three aforementioned groups based on the maxVB and compared to determine the optimal operative technique and evaluate surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Regarding the fracture morphology, the maxVB (0) group had more A3 and A4 fractures, whereas the maxVB (2-8) group had less A4 and more B1 and B2 fractures. The maxVB (9-18) group exhibited an increased frequency of B3 and C fractures. Regarding the fracture level, the maxVB (0) group tended to have more fractures in the thoracolumbar transition region. Furthermore, the maxVB (2-8) group had a higher fracture frequency in the lumbar spine area, whereas the maxVB (9-18) group had a higher fracture frequency in the thoracic spine area than the maxVB (0) group. The maxVB (9-18) group had fewer preoperative neurological deficits but a higher reoperation rate and postoperative mortality than the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxVB was identified as a factor influencing fracture level, fracture type, and preoperative neurological deficits. Thus, understanding the maxVB could help elucidate fracture mechanics and assist in perioperative patient management.

Do signs of abdominal wall injury on computed tomography predict intra-abdominal injury in trauma patients with a seatbelt sign?

BACKGROUND

A seatbelt sign in patients with blunt abdominal injury is associated with both abdominal wall and intra-abdominal injuries. This study aimed to assess the association between signs of abdominal wall injury on computed tomography (CT) and rates of intra-abdominal injury in patients with a blunt abdominal injury and a clinical seatbelt sign.

METHODS

This study includes hemodynamically stable trauma patients with blunt abdominal injury and a clinical seatbelt sign who were hospitalized in two regional trauma centers in Israel, during 2014-2019. All data were collected via the medical center's trauma registry in both centers.

RESULTS

We identified 123 stable blunt abdominal trauma patients with a seatbelt sign, of which 101 (82.1%) and 22 (17.9%) had a low-grade and high-grade abdominal wall injury according to CT findings, respectively. Laparotomy rates were significantly higher in patients with signs of high-grade abdominal wall injury (p<0.0001). No differences in the timing of laparotomy between low and high-grade injuries were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma and a clinical seatbelt sign, the severity of abdominal wall injury, as represented by CT findings, may predict a need for surgical treatment.

Motor Vehicle Accident during Pregnancy with Two Lifes at Risk: A Case Report

Introduction:

Major trauma is the leading non-pregnancy-related cause of maternal and fetal deaths. In particular, traffic accidents account for the majority of accident causes and present the highest mortality for the mother and fetus. Seat belt use has reduced mortality rates for both the mother and the unborn child, however, certain potential patterns of injury occur due to the restraining mechanical forces of the worn seat belts on the body. Since life-threatening injuries in pregnancy are nevertheless rare, trauma care of pregnant women continues to be an exceptional situation and a particularly stressful situation for the attending physicians, including the fact that two lives are potentially at stake.

Case Report:

In this article, we report on a patient in the 37th week of pregnancy who was involved in a high-speed trauma as a front passenger of a car. Initially awake as well as responsive and hemodynamically stable, the patient’s condition deteriorated on the way to the emergency room (ER). On arrival in the ER, according to the Advanced Trauma Life Support concept, interdisciplinary consensus had to be reached between the departments involved regarding further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. With the knowledge of the special anatomical and physiological changes in the context of pregnancy, both the mother and the child could be stabilized in order to subsequently gain further important information about the present injury pattern during the performed diagnostics and finally to be able to adequately treat the trauma sequelae.

Conclusion:

Because the care of traumatic life-threatening injuries in pregnancy is rare overall, it poses a special challenge for the attending trauma team in the ER. In order to avert the fatal fate of both the mother and the unborn child, a structured, symptom and patient-oriented interdisciplinary approach is indispensable, especially in these exceptional situations, in order to achieve the best possible outcome for those affected.

Pattern and In-Hospital Mortality of Thoracoabdominal Injuries Associated with Motor Vehicle Accident-Related Spinal Injury: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicle accident (MVA) is a global health hazard that results in spinal, thoracic, and abdominal injuries. Detailed studies on the association between MVA-related traumatic spinal injury (TSI) and thoracoabdominal injuries are lacking. This study aims to elucidate the prevalence, pattern of association between these injuries, and related outcomes in terms of in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-center study of MVA-related TSI with thoracoabdominal associated injuries. Descriptive analysis was performed for gender, age, spinal injury level, thoracoabdominal injury region, admission day, hospital stay duration, and discharge category. The association between TSI and thoracoabdominal injury was analyzed, and the chi-square test was used to test the significance of differences. A statistically significant difference was considered at P values less than 0.05.

RESULTS

The cohort had a mean age of 33.6 ± 17.7 years with predominantly more males (85.1%). Thoracoabdominal injuries were present in 10.5% of MVA-related TSIs, and 9.2% of victims died during their hospital stay. There is a significant (P=0.045) association between the level of the spinal and the region of thoracoabdominal injuries. The presence of TSI-associated thoracic injury significantly (P=0.041) correlated with increased in-hospital mortality more than abdominal injury.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoabdominal injuries concomitant with MVA-related TSI cause considerable mortality. A pattern of association exists between the level of spinal and region of thoracoabdominal injury. Knowledge of this pattern is helpful in the routine practice of trauma health partitioners.

Vertebral artery transection: an unusual lethal seat belt injury

An 89-year-old man involved in a vehicle crash was found at autopsy to have a linear seat belt mark on the right side of his neck associated with extensive injuries of the right paraspinal muscles with fracture-dislocation and separation of cervical vertebrae 5 and 6. There was also fracture of the right facet joint between cervical vertebrae 5 and 6 and laceration of the right vertebral artery. Death was due to a cervical seat belt injury with spinal fracture and laceration of the right vertebral artery. The presence of extensive injuries to the right paraspinal muscles and cervical vertebra 5-6 fact joint beneath the seat belt mark would be in keeping with trauma due to the belt webbing, rather than mere hyperextension/flexion of the cervical spine. This report demonstrates a rare form of seat belt injury, transection of the vertebral artery, and suggests that the finding of seat belt markings on the lateral aspect of the neck should prompt examination for this type of lethal vascular injury at autopsy.

The effectiveness of mass media campaigns in increasing the use of seat belts: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of mass media campaigns for increasing the use of seat belts among drivers and front seat passengers.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases from November 1974 until June 2020 to identify before-after studies investigating the effect of mass media campaigns on seat belt use. The quality of all included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health (NIH) tool. Chi-Squared tests and the I² statistic were used to evaluate inter-study heterogeneity, while the odds ratio (OR) was used as a measure of effect size.

RESULTS

Of the 793 records initially identified, twenty articles were found to be appropriate for the current meta-analysis. Of these, 13, 5, and 2 studies were rated as good, fair, and poor quality, respectively. The meta-analysis finding using random effects model showed that mass media campaigns resulted in statistically significant increases in seat belt usage among drivers (OR= 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18- 1.68) and front seat passengers (OR= 1.54, 95% CI: 1.31- 1.82). Due to the presence of heterogeneity (I²: 99.7% for drivers; I²: 99.1% for front passengers), additional analyses were also undertaken. Sensitivity analyses showed that the pooled ORs remained consistent after removing each study one by one. Statistically significant increases in seat belt use among drivers were found in mass media campaigns which: had measurement periods longer than 12 months, were used in combination with enforcement activities, were published after 2000, and had good quality scores.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis found that mass media campaigns can lead to an increase in seat belt use among drivers and front passengers. However, these results should be interpreted with some degree of caution, due to the high degree of heterogeneity between studies and the fact that most of the studies were from high-income countries without control groups. Despite the apparent favorable impact of mass media campaigns, more robust long term studies are needed.

Lethal mechanisms in cases of inverted suspension from the lap component of seat belts

A retrospective review of autopsy files at Forensic Science South Australia in Adelaide, Australia, was undertaken over a five-year period from January 2014 to December 2018 for all motor vehicle crashes with rollovers ending with the vehicle inverted and the occupants suspended by the lap component of their seat belts. There were five cases, all male drivers (aged 18-67 years; M_age = 32 years). Acute neck flexion or head wedging was noted in four cases, with facial petechiae in four and facial congestion in one. Deaths were due to positional asphyxia in four cases, with the combined effects of positional asphyxia and head trauma accounting for the remaining case. Although all drivers had evidence of head impact which may have caused incapacitation, in only one case was this considered severe enough to have contributed to death. A blood alcohol level above the legal limit for driving was detected in two cases, but no other drugs were detected. This series demonstrates another subset of cases of seat belt-associated deaths where suspension upside down by the lap component of a seat belt had occurred after vehicle rollovers. Predisposing factors include incapacitation of the victim and delay in rescue. The postulated lethal mechanism involved respiratory compromise from the weight of abdominal viscera on the diaphragm, as well as upper airway compromise due to kinking of the neck and wedging of the head.

Pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernia as a component of the seatbelt syndrome: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Blunt impact-induced traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is an uncommon pediatric surgical problem classically associated with handlebar injury but increasingly seen with seatbelt use in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). Herein we describe the largest case series of pediatric TAWH to date and review the literature to establish the unique syndromic characteristics of MVC-associated TAWH.

METHODS

In this single-institution series, we discuss four pediatric patients, all with seatbelt-associated TAWH after high-speed MVC characterized by full-thickness disruption of the lateral abdominal wall. We then performed a review of the literature to identify additional pediatric MVC-associated TAWH and define the characteristics of patients who sustained this unique injury.

RESULTS

In addition to the four patients in our case series, five additional pediatric patients presenting with TAWH after restrained MVC were identified in the literature. Of these nine patients, eight (89%) presented with an obvious seatbelt sign (bruising/laceration to the abdominal wall). Six (67%) had associated injuries typical of the seatbelt syndrome, including four spinal flexion injuries (44%) and five bowel injuries requiring repair or resection (56%). Overall, 56% of seatbelt-associated TAWH occurred in children with a BMI percentile > 95%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case series and literature review, we note a high rate of seatbelt syndrome injuries in pediatric patients presenting with TAWH after restrained MVC. Suspicion for TAWH should be high in children presenting with a seatbelt sign and should trigger a low threshold for pursuing additional axial imaging.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV; case series.

Road Traffic Injuries and Related Safety Measures: A Multicentre Analysis at Military Hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Background

Road traffic injuries are one of the major public safety issues around the world, as they put a great burden on countries' economies. Saudi Arabia has a good road transportation system, but still, road-related fatalities are higher in this country. The main purpose of this study was to determine the association between the severity of injuries caused by road traffic collision and safety measures taken by the drivers admitted to the emergency departments at two military hospitals in Tabuk, a city in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A total of 342 male drivers who had injuries due to road traffic collision took part in this multicentre, cross-sectional study. The research sites were King Salman Armed Forces Hospital and King Khalid Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using a common protocol and a self-reported questionnaire with the help of convenience sampling approach. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 23.

Results

Nearly 62.0% of the male drivers were aged less than 36 years. About 90% of the drivers were from low- and middle-income groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that drivers who had road traffic collision and used mobile phones while driving were four times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 3.89; 95% CI (2.53, 5.95)), those who drove the vehicle at an excessive speed limit were three times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 2.71; 95% CI (1.01, 4.97)), and those who attempted to overtake another vehicle were two times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 1.85; 95% CI (1.24, 3.77)).

Conclusion

Based on the results of the present study, the most important safety measures which contributed the most to road traffic collision were use of mobile phones while driving the vehicle, driving at an excessive speed limit, irregularity in maintaining the vehicle, attempt to pass other vehicles, and not following the traffic rules. All the safety measures are protective, but if care is not taken, they will risk the life. There is an urgent need to spread traffic safety awareness in this region.

[Forensic assessment of seat belt injuries caused to a minor passenger in the rear seat]

The purpose of this work is to draw attention to the problem of child injuries in road traffic accidents. Children are the most vulnerable road users. Seat belts as elements of passive safety of cars cannot always provide the necessary protection. In some cases, they act as traumatic objects. A case of a thoracic spine injury (fractures of the bodies of two thoracic vertebrae) in a minor child who was on a booster and fixed with a standard seat belt is presented. The data of clinical and special research methods are presented, as well as options for solving some forensic issues are considered.

A negative computed tomography may be sufficient to safely discharge patients with abdominal seatbelt sign from the emergency department: A case series analysis

BACKGROUND

The presence of an abdominal seatbelt sign (ASBS) following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) is associated with a high risk for occult intra-abdominal injury, prompting imaging studies and a prolonged period of clinical observation. The aim of this study was to determine how a negative computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen/pelvis (A/P) can serve in the safe disposition of these patients. Our hypothesis was that in the setting of a negative CT, the presence of occult intra-abdominal injuries requiring a delayed intervention is extremely unlikely.

METHODS

The medical charts of patients admitted from January 2014 to December 2016 to a Level I trauma center following an MVC were reviewed for a documentation of an ASBS. Patients who did not have a CT A/P upon admission were excluded. The CT A/P of the remaining patients were then classified as negative if there were no findings of acute vascular, visceral or bony injury or positive if any of these findings was present. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of CT A/P for the presence of an intra-abdominal injury were calculated.

RESULTS

Over the 3-year study period, 1,108 patients were admitted after an MVC. Of those, 196 (17.7%) had an ASBS upon presentation and 183 (93.4%) of 196 underwent a CT A/P. A total of 114 (62.3%) of 183 had a negative CT A/P. These patients remained hospitalized for a median of 2 (1-35) days with none (0.0%) requiring a delayed laparotomy. The sensitivity of CT A/P in identifying patients requiring an exploratory laparotomy was 100.0%, specificity was 67.9%, NPV was 100.0%, and PPV was 21.7%. The negative likelihood ratio was 0.00.

CONCLUSION

For patients with an ASBS following an MVC, a negative CT A/P may be sufficient for safe discharge from the emergency department without any need for additional clinical observation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapuetic, level IV.

Seat belts-related behaviors in car drivers with cardiac implantable electronic devices

BACKGROUND

Seat belt use is the single most effective means of reducing fatal injuries in road traffic accidents. The presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) might influence seat belt-related behaviors due to the physical proximity of the seat belt and left subclavian area in which the device is usually implanted. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of improper seat belt use may improve safety of these patients.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study using a structured questionnaire with 120 CIED recipients (age, 63.9 ± 10.9 years) attending a pacing outpatient clinic. All study participants were active drivers and predominantly male. The majority of patients (79%) had undergone high-energy device implantation.

RESULTS

We found that 18% of study participants do not fasten seat belts on a regular basis or use the seat belt in an atypical fashion (such as under the armpit). Moderate or high level of discomfort from the interaction between seat belt and CIED was present in 27%, while more than half (51%) were afraid of seat belt-induced CIED damage. In multifactorial analysis, we found the following independent predictors of improper seat belt use: (1) at least moderate level of discomfort at the CIED site (P = 0.02); (2) fear of CIED damage (P = 0.009); and (3) irregular seat belt use prior to CIED implantation (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Improper seat belt-related behaviors are common in CIED recipients. They arise from previous habits and from CIED-related physical and psychological factors. Patients' education regarding the importance and safety of proper seat belt use is a priority.

Fracture and dislocation of lumbar vertebrae with entrapment of small bowel: A case report and literature review

Traumatic incarceration of the small bowel accompanied by vertebral fractures and dislocation is rare and usually misdiagnosed until laparotomy. This report presents a rare case of jejunum entrapment between lumbar spine fractures. A 43-year-old man was clamped between two railway tracks on the upper abdomen and lower back. Following ineffective conservative treatment, he underwent a laparotomy due to the development of guarding and rebound tenderness. Loss of vitality of the jejunal loop, which was incarcerated between the L3 and L4 vertebrae, was observed. The necrotic bowel was removed and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. When his condition was stable, anterior and posterior lumbar fixation surgery was performed. The patient had no abdominal complications and lower limb nerve function deficiency during the follow-up period. A review of the literature since 1979 on incarceration of the bowel associated with lumbar fracture and dislocation identified 12 cases: five patients showed persistent neurological symptoms, but none of the patients died as a result of their injuries. It should be borne in mind that patients with hyperextension or flexion-distraction injury of the lumbar spine could show symptoms of intestinal obstruction and bowel incarceration. Enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging will be helpful for diagnosis.

Two cases of intestinal injuries due to seat belt without seat belt sign

Although seat belts save lives after motor vehicle accidents, they may cause different types of injuries such as abdominal wall, intra-abdominal, neck and spine or vascular injuries. Seat belt sign indicates the severity of injuries, and usually the risk of intra-abdominal injuries is high when the seat belt sign exists. Here, we present two cases of intra-abdominal injuries caused by seat belts without seat belt sign.

Pulmonary contusion after bumper car collision: Case report and review of the literature

Thoracic trauma is a major source of morbi-mortality in injured children. Their pliable chest wall makes pulmonary contusion the most common chest injury. It is most often secondary to blunt trauma caused by traffic accidents. We report a case of severe chest trauma caused by a bumper car collision in an 8-years old girl. She sustained right lung contusion that led to complete atelectasis. After a week of supportive therapy, bronchoscopy removed a mucous plug from the main bronchus, resulting in significant clinical improvement. We aim to raise awareness of the risk of severe chest injuries during bumper car collisions.

Positive Seatbelt Sign with Avulsed Leiomyoma following Motor Vehicle Accident Leading to Hemoperitoneum

A positive seatbelt sign following a motor vehicle accident is associated with an increased risk of intra-abdominal injury and hemoperitoneum. Injury to the uterus in reproductive-age women can also occur. In this report, we describe a 29-year-old nulligravida female who presented to the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident at freeway speeds. A positive seatbelt sign was noted, and a focused assessment with sonography for trauma revealed hemoperitoneum with an incidental finding of uterine leiomyomata. Upon exploratory laparotomy, a free-floating intraperitoneal mass was identified as an avulsed uterine leiomyoma. A uterine laceration containing a subserosal leiomyoma was also identified. The gynecological team was consulted, and a myomectomy of the subserosal leiomyoma followed by a closure of the uterine laceration was performed. The patient was transfused with a total of three units of packed red blood cells and two units of fresh frozen plasma. The postoperative course was without major complication. A positive seatbelt sign and hemoperitoneum in a reproductive-age woman with leiomyomata should increase the clinical suspicion for uterine injury and decrease the threshold for obtaining a gynecological consultation.

Delayed hydronephrosis due to retroperitoneal hematoma after a seatbelt injury: A case report

RATIONALE

Hydronephrosis caused by retroperitoneal hematoma after a seatbelt injury is a unique clinical entity.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 21-year-old man, who had been wearing a seatbelt, was brought to our hospital after a motor vehicle collision, complaining of abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed retroperitoneal hematoma in the upper pelvic region. Since he was hemodynamically stable throughout admission, he was managed conservatively. Seventeen days after initial discharge, the patient revisited our emergency department due to right back pain.

DIAGNOSES

CT scans indicated retroperitoneal hematoma growth resulting in hydronephrosis of the right kidney.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic drainage of the retroperitoneal hematoma was successfully performed.

OUTCOMES

His symptoms resolved after the surgery. Follow-up CT scans three months later demonstrated complete resolution of the hydronephrosis and retroperitoneal hematoma.

LESSONS

Our case highlights a patient with delayed hydronephrosis because of retroperitoneal hematoma expansion after a seatbelt injury.