AIRBAG MODULE COVER INJURIES

Serious and fatal injuries can be sustained when anatomic structures are in close proximity to an airbag module cover at the moment of airbag deployment. Three cases of injuries in vehicle operators associated with airbag module covers are reviewed and discussed. Injuries ranged from the traumatic avulsion of a thumb to the development of a subdural hematoma with associated cerebral edema and respiratory arrest. Motor vehicle operators should be aware that although airbags can significantly reduce the severity of injuries sustained in frontal collisions the module cover has the potential to inflict serious, even fatal injuries.