Seat belt‐induced trauma to the small bowel

Thirty‐two patients with seat belt‐induced injuries to the jejunum and ileum are reviewed. These patients are classified into 3 groups according to the nature and mechanism of injury. Group I consists of 4 patients with complete transection of the proximal jejunum caused by deceleration forces. Injuries commonly associated include spleen rupture and perforation of the transverse colon and splenic flexure. Group II consists of 6 patients with infarcted ileum caused by crushing forces. Associated injuries include tears to the cecum, aorta, and inferior vena cava. Group III consists of 22 patients with “blowout” perforations of the jejunum and ileum. These injuries are caused by transmitted forces. There are no associated specific injuries related to this group.