Chest Injuries in Road Trauma’ GORDOSTRIXCA A N I ) K. A. WEAVER Preston and A\Tortlzcote Coiniiiunity Hospital, JI elbourne A 2 rcvicw of ntalor chest injnries sustained by road crash victiws attending ilac Preston und h‘orthcote Community Hospital over the four-year period I 9 7 I to 1974 highlights the vzklnerability of car occupants to this type of injury, particularly those involved in side-impact rolizsions. I n this type of collision, seat-belt restraint does not influence the incidence o f rlzrrt injury. M a j o r injuries to other body areas and the delayed development of serious pu~riionary complications call for continuous expert medical care w i t h the use o f the facilities of a n intensive care ward. T h e range of complicatioiis in a survey o f 60 such botients admitted to hospital in 1974 is hightir/hted. A regime of nzanagemcnt is outlined

T I I Kfrequency of major chest injury in road crash victims remains disturbingly high. Problems of care exist with these injuries. particiilarly when there is associated injury of other areas. Major chest injuries in 18% (20f) cases) of all road accident victims admitted to the Preston and Northcote Commuiiity Hospital during the four-year period 1971 to 1974 are discussed. A further 14% of patients received minor chest injuries as part of the injury pattern.

The most vu1neral)le group was that involving car occupants injured in side-impact collisions, as a result of which 40%. received major chest in juries. ’r.AB1.E

2

Category of Koad Crash Victims Kecciuing lreatment Category

Number treatpd ~

Car occmant Pedestrian .. Motor cyclist Pedalcyclist.. Undetermined

..

., .. ,,

..

..

.. ,. ....

Number admitted to hospital ~

6710 ” , 975

498 219

54

666 fxo.

Chest injuries in road trauma.

A review of major chest injuries sustained by road crash victims attending the Preston and Northcote Community Hospital over the four-year period 1971...
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