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21. A Study Examining Chest Injuries Caused by Blunt Trauma Through Prospective Autopsy Analysis
Qurrat-ul-Ain Kamran1, Ummara Munir1, Talha Naeem Cheema2, Khurram Saleem1 and Tehreem Abaid1
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate chest injuries brought on by blunt trauma, with an emphasis on autopsies. The purpose of the research was to look at the epidemiological aspects of victims, such as their age, gender, and the kind of trauma they had experienced. Additionally, it aimed to pinpoint the main factors that contributed to death in these situations.
Study Design: A prospective observational study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Autopsy Section Forensic Medicine Department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan, from July 2021 to June 2023.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on 56 blunt trauma cases investigated in the Autopsy Section Forensic Medicine Department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan, from July 2021 to June 2023. Detailed epidemiological characteristics of the victims, including details such as age, gender, nature of trauma and injuries sustained by the victims, and other pertinent information related to the cases were collected and recorded. A comprehensive form was designed to systematically record historical and epidemiological data. All deceased individuals underwent a meticulous examination, encompassing external and internal injuries, including a thorough assessment of bones and joints in the thoracic region.
Results: The overall mean age was 32.68±6.45 years. Patient’s distributions based on their age were as follows: 8 (14.3%) in 1-20 years, 31 (55.5%) in 21-40 years, 9 (16.1%) 41-60 years, and 8 (14.3%) in >60 years. The incidence of road traffic accidents, fall from height, assault, and other was 40 (71.4%), 7 (12.5%), 6 (10.7%), and 3 (5.4%) respectively. There were 46 (82.1%) male and 10 (17.9%) females. Motor bikes were the most prevalent RTA type in 36 (64.3%) cases. Majority of cases 38 (67.9%) had a survival rate of less than 6 hours. Shock and hemorrhage was the prominent cause of mortality followed by asphyxia and coma.
Conclusion: The present study found that road traffic accidents were the most common contributing factor to chest trauma due to the sheer multitude of vehicles involved in such incidents. The majority of cases exhibited a survival rate of less than 6 hours. The leading cause of mortality was shock and hemorrhage, followed by instances of asphyxia and coma.
Key Words: Blunt trauma, Chest Injuries, Autopsy