ABSTRACT
Background: Trauma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chest trauma constitutes about 10-15% of all cases and is responsible for 25% of deaths as a result of trauma. It is a major problem for India, where there is a very high incidence of vehicular accidents (6% of global vehicular accidents), along with crime and riots. In spite of that very few studies have been documented that assess the prevalence and management of these events. Hence, this retrospective study was carried out to determine the magnitude and management of patients with chest trauma in rural setup. Methods: A study of 100 cases of chest trauma admitted in Dhiraj Hospital, from May 2010 to September 2012 was carried out. The data collected included the patient’s demographic profi le; mode, type and severity of chest injuries, management scheme and outcome. Results: Of 100 patients who sustain chest trauma, 76% of cases were due to vehicular accident. Of 100 patients 64% had rib fractures, 17% had fl ail chest, 12% had pneumothorax, 24% had hemothorax, and 5% had hemopneumothorax and 24% had extra-thoracic injury. In 33% water seal intercostals tube insertion was done and 17% of patients having fl ail chest were treated with intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Conclusions: The present study reveals that the trauma commonly seen in young males was motor vehicle accident. The outcome and prognosis for the majority of patients of blunt chest trauma are excellent. Most require no invasive therapy or, at most intercostals chest drainage tube insertion.