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
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].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
