Fractures of the Sternum Associated with the Use of Seat-Belt

Four cases of fracture of the body of the sternum associated with use of three-point seat-belt are reported.All cases complained of pain over the sternum, but showed no overlying skin abrasin or bruising.Radiographs of the cases 1, 2, 3 revealed an undisplaced fracture of the body of the sternum, but case 4 showed a displaced transverse fracture of the body of the sternum, combined with left 6-9th rib fractures and renal injury.We described four cases in which the body of the sternum was fractured by the shoulder belt of an ELR (emargency locking reforactor)-type.We considered that it was necessary to improve the belt to prevent the fracture.