Comprehensive study of penetrating chest injury in Salem District

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Penetrating chest injuries may seriously damage the lungs, heart and other thoracic structures. Blunt injuries are most commonly deceleration injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes that result in falls or blows to the chest. Aim of study To determine the magnitude and management of patients with chest trauma in a rural setup. Materials and methods: A study of 50 cases of chest trauma admitted in, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, from 2013-2017. The data collected included the patient’s demographic profile; mode, type and severity of chest injuries, management scheme and outcome. Results: There were 62(79.5%) males and 38 (20.5%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 3.81. The age ranged between 5-67 years with a mean of 32.28 years. Blunt injuries constituted the remaining 30(38.46%) and were all as a result of road traffic accidents (RTA). All patients had chest radiographs from which the commonest lesions; simple rib fractures, hemopneumothorax, hemothorax, and pneumothorax were diagnosed. There were none with major vascular or esophageal injuries. The commonest extra-thoracic associated injuries were limb fractures and abdominal injuries Conclusion: The outcome of thoracic injuries will depend upon the health care provider’s knowledge of the physics of the event and the urgency of the diagnosis, as well as the ability to assess and manage all the variables involved. The proper approach to the patient can positively influence the quality of the assessment, the level of cooperation and the long term outcome of care.