The Impact of Thoracic Trauma on Morbidity and Outcomes: A Six-Year Experience From a Tertiary Care Level 1 Center

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to summarize the impact of thoracic injury on mortality and morbidity in thoracic trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of all patients with thoracic injuries admitted between July 2018 and June 2024. The demographic profile, mechanism of injury, type of injury, injury severity score, duration of injury, hemodynamic status, surgical findings, concomitant injuries, hospitalization, intensive care unit stay, need for mechanical ventilation, and blood transfusions were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1,576 patients were admitted with thoracic injuries, representing 27.4% of all trauma admissions. The most common mechanism of injury was blunt chest trauma, which was found in 1,377 patients (87.4%). Of these 1,576 patients, 1,308 (83%) were hemodynamically stable, while 268 (17%) were unstable. The majority of patients were not treated surgically. The overall mortality was 119 (7.5%). Age, number of rib fractures, time interval to admission, and need for mechanical ventilation were found to be significantly related to mortality. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate for thoracic injuries depends on several factors, including age, late-onset, bilateral thoracic injuries, concomitant extrathoracic injuries, need for mechanical ventilation, and adequate pain management.