What is the most common injury resulting from blunt thoracic trauma?
Thoracic cage. The most common injury in blunt thoracic trauma is chest wall injury, which also includes rib fractures. When bone fractures are mentioned, not only rib fractures but also clavicle and sternum fractures should be considered.
What is thorax trauma?
Thoracic trauma is broadly categorized by mechanism into blunt or penetrating trauma. The most common cause of blunt chest trauma is motor vehicle collisions (MVC) which account for up to 80% of injuries. Other causes include falls, vehicles striking pedestrians, acts of violence, and blast injuries.
What are the common signs and symptoms of thorax injuries?
Symptoms include pain, which usually worsens with breathing if the chest wall is injured, and sometimes shortness of breath. Common findings include chest tenderness, ecchymoses, and respiratory distress; hypotension or shock may be present.
What are common treatments for thorax injuries?
Chest Injury Treatment
- Call 911.
- Begin CPR, if Necessary.
- Cover an Open Wound.
- Stop Bleeding, if Necessary.
- Position Person to Make Breathing Easier.
- Monitor Breathing.
- Follow Up.
What happens to the body during blunt force trauma?
Blunt force trauma can often lead to bruising and blood clots. Bruising occurs when the blood vessels on the surface of the soft tissue of skin are broken, typically resulting in a temporary discoloration of the skin.
What are the effects of penetrating trauma on the body?
Penetrating trauma often causes damage to internal organs resulting in shock and infection. The severity depends on the body organs involved, the characteristics of the object, and the amount of energy transmitted. Assessment includes x-rays, CT scans, and MRI.
What are the two types of chest trauma?
Chest trauma can be penetrating or blunt. If the injury pokes through the skin (stabbing, gunshot wound, an arrow through the heart, etc.) we call it penetrating chest trauma. If a sharp object tearing deep into skin and muscle isn’t the main cause of tissue damage, consider it blunt chest trauma.
What is the most common medical intervention required for patients with thoracic trauma?
Emergency resuscitation, preferential diagnosis, basic interventions (such as thoracentesis or catheter/tube thoracotomy) and effective treatment are the necessary interventions for patients presenting with a trauma.