Clinical profile and outcome of chest trauma: a four year retrospective analysis at a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Chest trauma comprises about 10-15% of all traumas and 25% of all deaths from traumatic injury. Chest injuries are cause by blunt mechanisms such as road traffic accidents or penetrating mechanisms such as stab and missile injuries. Traumatic chest injuries are the most common cause of preventive mortality and morbidity.Methods: A retrospective study of all patients with chest injury presenting to Emergency Department of SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar was done. Records of all the patients were retrieved. A complete data regarding age, gender, mode/type of injury, extra thoracic injuries, mode of management and outcome was gathered.Results: A total number of 1429 trauma patients presented to AE of which 160 patients (11.2%) had chest trauma. Majority of the patients (51.87%, n=83) were of age group of 21-40 years. A male preponderance was observed. Road traffic accidents were major causes of blunt chest injury, while gunshot injury was the major causes of penetrating chest injuries. Head and neck injuries were the most common associated injuries. Tube thoracostomy was the commonest modality of management (65%) and (28%) patients were managed conservatively. Severity of chest trauma and associated injuries coupled with prompt diagnosis and treatment were important factors in efficient management of chest injuries.Conclusions: Chest trauma resulting from road traffic accidents remains the major mechanism of injury. Preventive measures aimed at educating the common masses about traffic rules and strictly implementing them is indispensable to reduce the incidence of chest injuries.