Clinical profile of thoracic trauma in children—a study from Aligarh, N. India

SUMMARY

A total of 60 cases of thoracic trauma in children, treated over a period of 4–5 years (January 1983 to June 1987), were analysed. Blunt-impact trauma was the major cause in 58·33% cases, stressing that bullock-cart accidents and bull-horn and buffalo-hoof injuries are still a continuing cause of chest injury in developing countries. Haemo- and/or pneumothorax were the main injuries (78·33%), but cardiac and oesophageal involvement were seen, in two cases each. Isolated first rib fracture was another surprising finding. Except for three, all the cases presented within 24 h of injury. Cyanosis and profound shock were found in five patients each. The majority of the patients (60%) were treated with intercostal tube drainage and major surgical operations were needed in 30%. In the remaining 10%, observation was sufficient. There were two deaths (3·33%), with a success rate of96·67%.