Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Thoracic trauma refers to injuries that affect the chest area, including the ribcage, lungs, heart, and other vital structures within the chest cavity. The present study was conducted to assess the pattern and outcome of chest trauma patients. Materials & Methods: 116 chest trauma patients of both genders were enrolled and the pattern of chest injuries, indications for emergency thoracotomy, morbidity, and causes of death were recorded. Results: Out of 116 patients, males were 74 and females were 42. The pattern of chest injuries was rib fracture in 61% of cases, flail chest in 25%, hemothorax in 12%, pneumothorax in 11%, lung contusion in 27%, diaphragmatic injury in 12% and fracture sternum in 9% cases. The indications for emergency thoracotomy was lung laceration in 7%, ED thoracotomy in 13%, right atrial injury in 7%, right ventricular injury in 5%, aortic injury in 2% and diaphragmatic injury in 16%. Morbidity was due to wound infection in 3%, empyema in 5%, retained hemothorax in 8%. The causes of death was sepsis in 2%, respiratory failure in 5%, head injury in 3% and hemorrhagic shock in 1% cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: In most cases, the pattern of chest injuries was rib fracture and flail chest. The morbidity was due to wound infection, empyema, retained hemothorax.