Blunt Trauma Chest: A Study on Clinical Pattern

Abstract

Background: Chest injuries constitute a continuing challenge to the trauma or general surgeon practicing in a developing country. This study reviews the pattern and management of these injuries mainly by general surgeons. Methods: A cross sectional study of 200 patients attending to emergency room in Tertiary care teaching Hospital with chest injuries between January 2013 and December 2016. Results: Over 3 years period, 200 patients with various forms of chest injuries were managed among them Males were commonly affected than female with 4.5 : 1 ratio, Maximum incidence in age group 41-60 years with 66%. Mean age 44.78 years, Mean Hospital stay 10.78 days Conclusion: Most of the injuries are due to Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA), Commonest injury being Rib Fracture (78%) followed by Hemothorax (60%) and Pneumothorax (44%) commonest associated injury is Clavicle Fracture. Most commonest solid abdominal organ injury is Liver (16%) followed by Spleen (8%). Overall 76 % patients required tube thoracostomy and 24% patients were managed conservatively. Overall Mortality was 6% in the study.