[8][9] Symptoms may include abdominal bruising (seat belt sign), or less commonly paralysis of the legs.

[11] The cause is classically a head-on motor vehicle collision in which the affected person is wearing only a lap belt.

[6] A CT scan is recommended as part of the diagnostic work-up to detect any potential abdominal injuries.

[10] On plain X-ray, a Chance fracture may be suspected if two spinous processes are excessively far apart.

[10] A CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is recommended as part of the diagnostic work-up to detect any potential abdominal injuries.