Clinical Profile and Outcome of Chest Trauma in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Chest trauma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thoracic injuries account for 20-25% of deaths due to trauma. It is a major concern for India, because of high incidence of vehicular accidents and violence. Very few studies have been documented to assess incidence and severity of thoracic trauma. This study focuses on clinical profile and outcome associated with both, blunt and penetrating chest trauma, in our tertiary care hospital.

Methods: All patients with chest trauma cases admitted in surgery emergency over a period of one year were included in the study. Their clinical and radiological profile, severity, management modalities and outcome were noted. Severity of chest injury was calculated by Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS).

Results: In our study most common cause of chest trauma was motor vehicle collision. The highest rate of chest injuries was observed in those aged 41–50 years, and most injuries (91.5%) were in adult males. Thoracic trauma in a poly-traumatized patient significantly affects prognosis and treatment strategy. Prompt recognition and diagnosis is essential for efficient care of patients. Higher scores of TTSS are associated with longer hospital stay, higher morbidity and mortality and higher rate of complications. TTSS is a reliable CT-independent classification and can be quickly performed in the emergency room thus assisting in further treatment decisions and improving patient outcome.

Conclusion: Chest trauma is an important public health problem accounting for substantial proportion of all trauma admissions and urgent preventive measures at reducing incidence of RSAs are necessary. TTSS is a reliable CT independent predictor of outcome in chest trauma.