Injury to Arms Protruding Through Vehicle Windows

Abstract

Driving with an arm protruding through a window can result in limb threatening injury. A series of seven upper limb injuries sustained during motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) with a limb protruding from the vehicle window is described. The severity and complexity of these injuries are related to the ultimate functional recovery for the limb. This study serves to highlight the severity of injury and morbidity following these modalities of trauma, which although rarely fatal, carry extensive consequences and could be easily prevented with appropriate education programmes and legislation.

Sideswipe injuries to the elbow in Western Australia

“…In Western Australia sideswipe injuries to the upper arm still occur despite recently introduced legislation and improvements in road conditions 9 , 12 . Similar legislation 10 exists in all other Australian states as well; however, Western Australia has the highest infringement penalties for such offences.…”

Sloppy Hinge Prosthetic Replacement in Old Healed Side Swipe Injuries of Elbow – Long term Results

“…3 The massive trauma to the elbow is characterized by involvement of all the major tissues including bones, joints, vessels, nerves, muscles, and skin which require demanding surgical management with high level of expertise. 4 5 6 7 8 After primary repair, secondary reconstruction of elbow is often required due to loss of bone and muscles around the elbow resulting in instability with functional loss, associated with or without pain, provided the neurovascular status of the limb is reasonably preserved. To ensure the stability of the elbow either arthrodesis or its prosthetic replacement may be contemplated.…”