Abstract

Patterns of Plain Radiographic Findings among Patients with Chest Trauma in Awka, Nigeria

Introduction: Chest trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of chest trauma is road traffic accident (RTA). The combination of chest trauma and other system injuries increases mortality. It is important for patients to be properly assessed after trauma because of the danger posed by trauma to the organs. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the pattern of findings in chest trauma in the Awka state of Nigeria. Method: This is a retrospective study among patients with chest trauma from May 2012 to March 2017, in Awka. Results: The key findings of the study show that 181 patients were included in the study, 68% were males and 32% were females. The male: female ratio was 2:1. The mean age of patients was 34.7 years. The age range of patients was between 3-79 years. The greatest cause of chest trauma was RTA (77.3%) and the least was gunshot (0.6%). Most of the patients involved in the study were found to be normal (60.36%). The most common traumatic finding was a fracture, with rib fracture being the commonest. Conclusion: The main finding that the youths are mostly involved in chest trauma and that majority of them are also males agrees with the studies done in other places. These youths form the economic backbone of the society and calls for stern preventive measures against chest trauma. A plain chest radiograph was also discriminatory enough to help in planning the treatment and further investigations.

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