A Systematic Review on Airbag-Induced Burns

Abstract

Background Airbags significantly reduce fatalities and injuries in automobile crashes, but they have been found to be associated with burns. Specifically, airbags can cause burns through thermal or chemical mechanisms and commonly affect the arms, hands, face, and eyes. While most airbag-induced burns are minor, some may cause unfavorable outcomes. Our study aimed to systematically review airbag-induced burns to assess etiology, type and treatment of these injuries. Methods A systematic review of case reports pertaining to airbag-induced cutaneous and ocular burns was conducted. Data reviewed included type/location of burns, severity of burn, total number of patients, treatment, complications, and outcome after treatment. Results We identified 21 case reports that met our inclusion criteria with a total of 24 patients reported in the studies. Of the studies identified, 38% were chemical burns and 25% were thermal burns. Most commonly the upper extremities were burned in 42% of cases, followed by eyes (25%) and face (21%). Most burns identified were superficial partial-thickness (58%). Treatment outcomes were good for cutaneous burns, with 95% healing without complication. However, ocular injuries lead to permanent impaired eye function in 71% of cases. Conclusion In our systematic review, we highlighted the common risk factors, prognosis, and treatment for thermal, chemical, and ocular burns. Airbag-induced burns have a relatively good prognosis but must be recognized and treated immediately to reduce the risk of serious sequelae.

A case report on air bag induced skin burn in a road traffic injury: An experience

“…Anatomically, the most common site of burn remains the upper extremities which had been seen in almost 42% of the studies reported which is similar to our case too [1] . Also, the depth of involvement remained the superficial partial thickness burn which have been mentioned in other studies too [1] , [3] , [10] .…”

“…Air bag deployment during high velocity trauma has always been considered an important step for prevention of major fatal injuries-whilst this technology never comes without any cost since their introduction in early 1970s [1] . The role of protection by an airbag is already proven, but at times, it is associated with the adverse effects of its inflation which is underestimated [5] .…”

“…Air bag related injuries do occur in the form of skin abrasions to spinal fractures, thoracic injuries or aortic dissection which sometimes proves to be fatal, though potential benefit outweighs the harm during traumatic injuries [1] , [2] . Within 10 m seconds of the impact, air bags get deployed leading into the exothermic chemical reaction within the bag which inflates it and creates a cushioning effect reducing the force of impact to vehicle structures [6] .…”

“…An air bag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then deflate immediately during a collision. Designed to reduce fatalities in high velocity trauma, burns related to these bags are seen and commonly affect arms, hands, face and eyes [1] . Most burn injuries are minor though some of them may be life threatening leading to spinal, aortic and chest injuries [2] .…”

“…It has been estimated that burns account for nearly 8% of injuries that occur due to air bag deployment [3] . As of 2015, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 44,869 lives have been salvaged due to frontal air bags [1] .…”