Imaging Patterns of Injuries After the 2015 Amtrak Philadelphia Train Derailment

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2018 May;210(5):948-961. doi: 10.2214/AJR.17.18832. Epub 2018 Feb 28.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the injury patterns observed in the 2015 Philadelphia Amtrak train derailment.

Conclusion: Fractures accounted for most observed injuries, but uncommon and potentially serious injuries included posterior sternoclavicular dislocation and mesenteric contusion. Imaging plays a critical role in the triage of patients during mass-casualty events, and familiarity with the injury patterns associated with high-velocity unrestrained blunt force trauma will aid diagnosis in any future similar occurrence.

Keywords: blunt trauma; contusion; derailment; dislocation; fracture; laceration; triage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidents*
  • Emergency Treatment*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Casualty Incidents*
  • Philadelphia
  • Railroads*
  • Triage / methods
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*