Upper extremity injuries related to air bag deployments

Case studies of upper extremity injuries related to air bag deployments are presented. Such injuries range from forearm and hand erythema, contusions, lacerations, or thermal burns, to fractures or dislocations of the thumb, wrist, and forearm. The close proximity of the forearm or hand to the air bag module door is related to most of the fractures identified. Air bag deployments from the steering wheel can fling the hand-forearm into the instrument panel, rearview mirror or windshield.