Airbag injuries: Difference between revisions
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*Deployment releases small amount of alkali | *Deployment releases small amount of alkali | ||
**Skin burns are usually minor | **Skin burns are usually minor | ||
**Ocular burns require irrigation, pH testing and ophto | **Ocular burns require irrigation, pH testing and ophto follow up | ||
***Long-term sequelae are rare | ***Long-term sequelae are rare | ||
Revision as of 05:34, 13 July 2016
Background
- Airbag deployment can cause caustic injuries from aerosolized ALKALI including sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate
- Additional mechanisms of injury from direct contact, quick deceleration, flexion and or hyperextension depending on seat belt use
Clinical Features
Burns
- Usually minor
- Related to direct contact with skin or heat from melted clothing
- Deployment releases small amount of alkali
- Skin burns are usually minor
- Ocular burns require irrigation, pH testing and ophto follow up
- Long-term sequelae are rare
Ocular Injuries
- Chemical keratitis
- Corneal Abrasion
Cervical and Thoracic Spine Injuries
Cardiac Rupture
- Uncommon complication
- Can exist with barotrauma alone with the absence of rib fractures[1]
Differential Diagnosis
Caustic Burns
- Caustic ingestion
- Caustic eye exposure (Caustic keratoconjunctivitis)
- Caustic dermal burn
- Airbag-related burns
- Hydrofluoric acid
- Tar burn
- Cement burn
Workup
- Physical Exam
- Slit lamp
- Consider adjuncts depending of type of presenting injuries
Management
- Skin: basic burn care
- Eye: copious irrigation, pH testing, ophthalmology consult
- Consider conservative management with antibiotics, and a short course of steroids[2]
Disposition
- Dispo depends on type and severity of injury