Study of the Various Factors which Influence the Outcome of Patients with Blunt Injury Chest

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Injury is the most common cause of death among people aged 1–34 years. The most common cause of injury is a road traffic accident and the majority is confined to the thoracic cage. These consist of rib fractures with underlying pulmonary contusion. When ignored, underestimated or inadequately treated chest injuries may cause the death of a patient during surgical intervention for seemingly more pressing intracranial or abdominal hemorrhage. Aim: This study aims to study the outcome of blunt injury chest patients in emergency and various modalities of treatment to identify possible risk factors for mortality. Materials and Methods: A prospective review of all cases of trauma with blunt chest injuries evaluated with X-ray or computed tomography scan. The cases were examined for age, type of injuries, presence or absence of rib fractures, hemothorax, or pneumothorax. Results: There were 50 patients included in this study. All had rib fractures and hemo/pneumothorax, 3 had lung contusion, 19 patients had associated injuries, 1 patient underwent emergency thoracotomy, 3 patients were kept on ventilator support, and 3 expired. Conclusion: Close attention to improving gas exchange and early management of hemo/pneumothorax might improve outcomes in blunt injury chest.