What is another name for a seat belt fracture?

A seat belt fracture is also known as a Chance fracture. This type of fracture usually occurs in the lumbar spine region and is characterized by a transverse fracture of the vertebral body resulting from flexion forces, commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents where the seat belt restrains the passenger's pelvis while the upper body continues to move forward.

The mechanism of injury involves a combination of flexion and axial loading, which leads to the vertebral body fracturing under the stress. This type of injury emphasizes the importance of seat belts in reducing the severity of injuries during car accidents, as they can prevent more severe trauma to vital organs and the spine.

Understanding that a Chance fracture specifically relates to this mechanism helps highlight the clinical implications of these injuries and their management. Other types of fractures mentioned, such as spinal fractures, compression fractures, and flexion injuries, describe different patterns or mechanisms of injury, but they do not specifically refer to the anatomical and injury characteristics of a seat belt fracture.