Case Study: Traumatic Pneumothorax after Parachute Landing

Woo Ch,Berry Caban Cs,Motyka Tm,Skinner Dj,Norland Sp,Mckiernan Sp

doi:10.4172/2161-105x.1000461

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumothorax during military airborne operations is an uncommon injury among paratroopers. More common injuries are fractures or sprains to the lower extremities, as this is where most of the impact is absorbed during parachute landings. Classically, a pneumothorax will present with sudden onset severe chest pain and dyspnea warranting immediate medical evaluation. Among military service members, pneumothorax is more likely to occur because of traumatic injuries such as from motor vehicle accidents. Case presentation: This case highlights an otherwise healthy male paratrooper, who presented 24 hours following routine airborne training. Conclusion: Symptoms of even mild dyspnea or chest pain in military paratroopers following airborne operations should prompt immediate evaluation for pneumothorax.

Highlights

Pneumothorax during military airborne operations is an uncommon injury among paratroopers
Pneumothorax is defined as air that has entered the pleural space, either spontaneously or as a result of traumatic tears in the lung pleura induced by chest injury or invasive procedures [1]
We report a case of an active duty male soldier who developed a traumatic pneumothorax after a parachute landing during an airborne training exercise, without sustaining other significant chest trauma, such as a rib fracture, and without any identifiable underlying lung disease

Summary

Introduction

Pneumothorax during military airborne operations is an uncommon injury among paratroopers. Conclusion: Symptoms of even mild dyspnea or chest pain in military paratroopers following airborne operations should prompt immediate evaluation for pneumothorax. The classic clinical presentation for pneumothorax is one of sudden onset dyspnea, diminished breath sounds, decreased chest excursion, and hyperresonance to percussion [1-5].

Results

Conclusion