A CLINICAL STUDY OF BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA

Abstract

Trauma to the chest is considered as one of the most serious injuries of the chest and it is also a common cause of mortality and morbidity. It is also the leading cause of death from physical trauma after head and spinal cord injury. Chest trauma is the primary or a contributing factor in approximately 1/4th of all trauma related deaths. Chest trauma accounts for 20-25% of deaths due to trauma. Approximately, 16,000 deaths per year in India alone are a result of chest trauma. The study was conducted on 25 patients of blunt chest trauma admitted in a G.G. Hospital affiliated to M.P. Shah Govt. Medical College during the years 2016- 2018. Detailed clinical history was recorded including age, sex, symptoms, mode of injury, associated injuries, external bleeding and mental status. Out of 25 patients having blunt chest trauma most common age group was 31-40 years, road traffic accident being the most common mode of injury in 60%, 64% having less than 4 ribs fractured, 60% having hemothorax and 54% having pneumothorax and 60% patients were treated with intercostal tube drainage. The study revealed that road traffic accident was the most common cause of blunt chest trauma. Majority of the patients with blunt chest trauma can be managed conservatively with pain management. Few required intercostal tube drain without the need of other invasive therapy.