Prevalence of Chest Trauma at Tertiary Care Institute: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of mortality and disability, especially during the productive age, and is the third most common cause of death. Present study carried out to assess the general spectrum of chest injury patients at tertiary care institute of Gujarat. Subjects and Methods: A total number of 500 patients were admitted with chest were included in the study. Details of all these patients were entered in the study from their records with specific reference to age, sex, mode of injury, severity of injury, number of ribs fractured, treatment employed and final outcome. Results: Out of a total of 500 patients, the maximum was in the age group of 20-29 years and the next common decade was the 4th one. There were 380 male and 120 female patients. Blunt trauma was responsible for the injury in 405 patients and 95 patients sustained chest injury after penetrating trauma. Regarding treatment profile, no active treatment was required in 135 cases with either one or two rib fractures on x-rays without any haemopneumothorax. Intercostal drainage was required in 330 patients and thoracotomy was essential in 35 patients. Conclusion: Early recognition and management of associated injuries and complications is of paramount importance in reducing the morbidity and mortality. The majority of these patients can be managed by simple intervention i.e., intercostal drainage and only less than 10% require thoracotomy. For ICD, results of negative suction pleural drainage are better as compared to simple underwater seal drainage.