PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review injuries occurring as a result of tire and rim explosions treated at a level I trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective audit evaluated the university hospital trauma database based on ICD-9 code to isolate patients sustaining tire and rim explosion injuries. A total of 12 complete patient records were derived from this search to allow determination of injuries and outcome assessments. RESULTS: Injury patterns from tire and rim explosions were categorized in terms of anatomic region, treatment and hospitalization, disposition, and outcome assessment. Maxillofacial injuries were further subdivided into specific injuries involving a total of 7 patients from this case series. CONCLUSIONS: Significant blast injuries can result from tire and rim explosions, which can often involve the maxillofacial region due to proximity to the source. Reductions in injuries have been seen since the implementation of physical safety measures by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Highway Transportation Safety Board.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review injuries occurring as a result of tire and rim explosions treated at a level I trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective audit evaluated the university hospital trauma database based on ICD-9 code to isolate patients sustaining tire and rim explosion injuries. A total of 12 complete patient records were derived from this search to allow determination of injuries and outcome assessments. RESULTS: Injury patterns from tire and rim explosions were categorized in terms of anatomic region, treatment and hospitalization, disposition, and outcome assessment. Maxillofacial injuries were further subdivided into specific injuries involving a total of 7 patients from this case series. CONCLUSIONS: Significant blast injuries can result from tire and rim explosions, which can often involve the maxillofacial region due to proximity to the source. Reductions in injuries have been seen since the implementation of physical safety measures by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Highway Transportation Safety Board.