TRAUMATIC CHEST ESIONS

Abstract

Blunt thoracic trauma is seen frequently and it is one of the major injuies resulting in deaths in younger people.Approximately 20% to 25% of traumatic deaths are caused by isolated thoracic trauma(Gaafar et al.,2003).

The incidence of chest trauma has increased significantly over the last 100 years as a result of the development of rapid means of transport and the rising level of violence in society in general. Associated organ injuries raise the mortality. Haemodynamically unstable patients with cardiac and great vessel injuries, tracheobronchial or diaphragmatic rupture may need urgent surgical intervention(Abdel Naby et al.,2003)..

The most serious pathologies that affect mortality m isolated thoracic traumas are pulmonary contusion and flail chest.

Nearly 20% of fatal-trauma victims die at the scene of the accident. Therefore, early effective intervention at the accident site by qualified personnel with the necessary equipment as well as early transportation of victims can obviously reduce morbidity and mortality to a considerable degree. In addition, public education and provision of appropriate road conditions are of paramount importance in preventing accidents (Abdel Naby et al.,2003).