The Impact of Seatbelt Use on Trauma Outcomes in Adult Motor Vehicle Collision Patients With Rib Fractures: A National ACS-TQP-PUF Database Analysis.

ABSTRACT Background Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited evidence examining the effects seatbelt use has on MVC-related injuries and outcomes in patients with rib fractures. We aim to assess how seatbelt use affects associated injuries and outcomes in adult MVC patients with ≥2 rib fractures. Methods This retrospective study utilized the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Programs (TQP) Participant Use File (PUF) Database. Drivers/passengers who sustained ≥2 rib fractures following an MVC and had an AIS ≤2 for extra-thoracic body regions were analyzed. Patients were then subdivided by presence of flail chest into two cohorts, which were subdivided according to injury severity score (ISS) and seatbelt use. Logistic and linear regression was used to assess the impact of seatbelt use on outcomes. Results Among both low and intermediate ISS classifications, restrained patients in the non-flail chest cohort had decreased incidence of pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, and liver injury (P Conclusions Seatbelt use may be protective against serious injuries in patients with ≥2 rib fractures, resulting in improved outcomes. Education programs should be developed to bolster seatbelt compliance.