Study of Clinical Profile and Outcome of 216 Victims of Chest Trauma in Tertiary Care Centre of Central India

This observational study of 216 victims of chest injuries was carried out at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Postgraduate Institute of Indore (India).The study was conducted from 1 st January 2010 to 30 th June 2014 in the Department of Surgery at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Postgraduate Institute, Indore.Polytrauma is recognized as the leading cause of death and disability in first four decades of life and the third most common cause of death.Chest is the central portion of body which contains vital organs of utmost importance.As chest is a large and exposed portion, it is vulnerable to impact injuries which are frequently life threatening.This study was carried out to quantify the problem of chest injuries in the population at large with special reference to various clinical presentations and outcome of management at our centre.Although blunt and penetrating injuries both were included in the study, but blunt injuries were commoner (82.4%).Road traffic accident was responsible for 57.4% cases.A total of 120 patients out of 216 (55.5%) were between 21 to 40 years of age.More than eighty percent victims were males.Musculoskeletal injuries (Long bone fractures etc.,) were the most common associated injuries.Twenty six (22.23%) out of 216 died due to their injuries or complications.Twenty five percent were managed conservatively and were discharged in a satisfactory condition.One hundred and fifty nine needed thoracostomy, the commonest operative intervention.Overall outcome of chest injuries largely depends on magnitude and location of concomitant injuries.Prompt diagnosis of problem and immediate surgical intervention are the most important factors in the efficient management of chest injuries.