Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death worldwide. Head and spinal cord injury is the common site of injury followed by thoracic trauma. The present study evaluated various traumatic chest injuries among patients reported to general surgery department. Materials & Methods: 114 patients (64 males and 50 females) of traumatic chest injuries were studied. Etiology and clinical features of cases was also recorded. Results: Maximum males and females cases were seen in age group 40-50 years (33%) and (45%) respectively. Least cases were seen in age group >50 years in 10% males and 15% females. Etiology found to be blunt thoracic traumas in 84 cases which comprised of low impact fall in 41, high impact fall in 29 and animal accident in 14 cases and penetrating thoracic traumas in 30 cases which comprised of stabbing injuries in 22 and firearm injuries in 8 cases. Clinical features comprised of rib fracture in 65% of cases, flail chest in 21%, hemothorax in 15%, pneumothorax in12%, lung contusion in 22%, diaphragmatic injury in 16% and fracture sternum in 7% cases. Conclusion: Maximum chest trauma cases involved males as compared to females and main etiology factor found to be blunt thoracic traumas due to low impact fall and high impact fall.