Abstract

Background: Chest trauma constitutes 10% of all trauma case with a significant morbidity especially in North East India with unique geographical, infrastructure and socio economic challenges. The present study was conducted with an aim to determine the clinical profile, management and outcome of chest trauma patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh from December 2022 to November 2023. Various parameters including clinical features, mode of injury, associated injuries, treatment and outcome was studied after initial stabilization of the patient. Results: A total of 729 chest trauma patients were examined during the study period of which 605 (82.9%) were male and 124 were female (17.1%). Majority of patients presented with chest pain (53.09%) and the commonest mode of injury was road traffic accidents (71.95%). 69.55% of cases were treated conservatively, 26.34% cases required intercostal chest tube drainage and only 3.84% cases required thoracotomy. The mortality rate was 1.65%. Conclusion: Majority of chest trauma can be prevented by adequate awareness on road traffic accidents. A huge number of cases are treated conservatively or by intercostal chest tube drainage and rarely by thoracotomy.

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