Management of Blunt Chest Trauma; Everything you Need to Know - A Review of Literature

Abstract

Trauma is the leading cause of death worldwide of which two thirds of the patients have blunt chest trauma with varying severity from a simple rib fracture to flail chest. In this paper we are reviewing the existing literature and the management of blunt chest trauma, throwing light on the critical aspects such as evaluation and treatment. Recent advances of VATS in blunt chest trauma are de-scribed as well, majority of the BCT cases are managed non-operatively with only a handful of cases needing surgical intervention by thoracic surgeons. Younger patients have better prognosis as compared to geriatric patients with the same injuries. We also throw light on the admission criteria for BCT cases, indications of tube thoracostomy and indications of thoracotomy in BCT cases. This particular paper will throw light on the management of blunt chest trauma and its various therapeutic options in detail so as to understand this clinical entity and its implications.