Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101330
Tobias Fritz, Emmanouil Liodakis, Jonas Gras, Marcel Orth, Antonius Pizanis, Marcus Örgel, Tim Pohlemann, David Osche
{"title":"The arc-technique using a photodynamic nail in a dysmorphic fragility fracture of the posterior pelvic ring - a technical note & case report.","authors":"Tobias Fritz, Emmanouil Liodakis, Jonas Gras, Marcel Orth, Antonius Pizanis, Marcus Örgel, Tim Pohlemann, David Osche","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101330","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101330","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract case: </strong>This case report presents a novel stabilization approach for managing fragility fractures in the dysmorphic sacrum of a 71-year-old male patient. The technique addresses anatomical complexities associated with sacral dysmorphism by employing a photodynamic intramedullary implant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The arc-technique utilizing a flexible photodynamic nail enables effective stabilization of the posterior pelvic ring, even in cases involving sacral dysmorphism.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101330"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101336
Muhammad Ade Junaidi, Wilton Wylie Iskandar, Holong Mangasah
{"title":"Excellent clinical and radiological outcome of disabled upper extremity after humerus hypertrophic nonunion with implant failure in geriatric patient treated with compression plate: A case report.","authors":"Muhammad Ade Junaidi, Wilton Wylie Iskandar, Holong Mangasah","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101336","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Nonunion treatment decisions are influenced by the classification of nonunion patterns identified. Surgical intervention, frequently incorporating compression devices, is a prevalent strategy utilized in the management of nonunion fractures. This report aimed to explain the result of treatment of hypertrophic nonunion with compression plate.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 65-year-old female patient presented with chronic pain and limited range of motion in her left arm subsequent to an inadequately healed humerus fracture. A proximal humerus compression plate with autologous bone graft was utilized in conjunction with osteoperiosteal decortication and fibrotic tissue release to achieve an immediate postoperative improvement and enhanced functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Nonunion of fractures presents a significant challenge that requires a tailored approach based on injury mechanism, patient health, and prior interventions. Factors such as soft-tissue condition, bone quality, and infection must be assessed to determine the optimal surgical strategy. In this case, the initial fixation was inadequate, leading to hypertrophic nonunion. Compression plating fixation generally provides better outcomes for nonunion treatment compared to intramedullary nailing, particularly for unstable or failed initial fixations. Revision surgery involved implant removal, nerve release, osteoperiosteal decortication, and the use of a proximal humerus compression plate with an autologous bone graft, resulting in improved stability and healing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case highlights the challenges and treatment considerations in managing hypertrophic nonunion humerus fractures. Tailored surgical strategies informed by patient-specific factors play a crucial role in optimizing the outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101336"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13186063/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101329
Joseph Richards, Michelle Mendiola Pla, Jonathan Reimer, Grace Chang
{"title":"Survival after severe blunt cardiac injury: Right atrial rupture.","authors":"Joseph Richards, Michelle Mendiola Pla, Jonathan Reimer, Grace Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Blunt cardiac rupture is a rare but life-threatening injury that imparts extremely high mortality. Most patients who experience cardiac rupture die at the scene, but timely response in diagnosis and treatment can improve the survivability of this injury.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To describe a case of blunt cardiac injury with right atrial rupture after involvement in a high-speed motor vehicle collision. Early resuscitation with blood products and timely operative treatment were pivotal for the survival of this patient. Follow up with echocardiography revealed a rare presentation of inter-atrial septal aneurysm formation.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 37 year old man presented by ambulance after involvement in a high-speed motor vehicle collision. On arrival, he was agitated but hemodynamically stable. Chest x-ray showed a massive right-sided pleural effusion and placement of right sided chest tube immediately drained more than 1300 mL of dark blood. Massive blood product transfusion was initiated and the patient was taken to the operating room for emergent right anterior thoracotomy. A laceration to the pericardium was identified and right atrial rupture which were managed by primary repair and wide drainage. Echocardiography in the post-traumatic period demonstrated an inter-atrial septal aneurysm that was managed conservatively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Survival after blunt cardiac rupture is rare but feasible if aggressive blood product resuscitation and timely operative treatment are provided. Close follow up with serial echocardiography in the peri-traumatic and post-traumatic period is imperative to assess for associated cardiac complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101329"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101327
Alexa Stansell, Antonius Pizanis, David Osche, Marcel Orth, Emmanouil Liodakis, Tim Pohlemann, Tobias Fritz
{"title":"Augmented stabilization of a rare geriatric \"open book\"-injury, using a cement augmented internal fixator - a case report.","authors":"Alexa Stansell, Antonius Pizanis, David Osche, Marcel Orth, Emmanouil Liodakis, Tim Pohlemann, Tobias Fritz","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101327","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pelvic ring injuries in elderly patients, particularly in the context of low-energy trauma, typically involve posterior ring structures due to underlying osteopenia or osteoporosis. However, symphyseal disruptions are extremely rare in this population. Pelvic ring injuries in elderly patients are increasingly common due to demographic changes, often resulting from low-energy falls. We present a unique case of a 77-year-old morbidly obese female with a Type B1.1 pelvic ring injury (APC-2, according to Young & Burgess classification), characterized by an open book lesion with no posterior fracture. Given the patient's body habitus and reduced bone quality, a minimally invasive internal fixator spine system was implanted and augmented with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement to enhance fixation strength and allow early mobilization.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 77-year-old female (BMI: 36 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) presented with a rare isolated Type B1.1 pelvic ring injury (Fig. 1A) following a domestic fall. After emergency stabilization using an external fixator, in a secondary definitive surgery a subcutaneous internal fixator was implanted bilaterally in a minimally invasive fashion. To improve fixation in the osteoporotic supra-acetabular bone, the screws were cement-augmented using PMMA. The patient showed good postoperative recovery, early mobilization, and stable radiographic outcomes at 6 weeks follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case illustrates the feasibility and benefit of cement-augmented internal fixator of the pubic symphysis with a rare case of an \"open-book\" injury in elderly, obese female patient. Cement augmentation may offer additional pull-out strength in patients with reduced bone quality, facilitating early mobilization and avoiding complications related to implant loosening.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101327"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101328
Vincenzo Di Modica, Giuseppe J Sciarrone
{"title":"Restoring shoulder function after osteoporotic fracture using a novel double-coil rPMS protocol: A case report with functional and radiological follow-up.","authors":"Vincenzo Di Modica, Giuseppe J Sciarrone","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Post-traumatic shoulder stiffness is a frequent complication following humeral fracture surgery, particularly in elderly osteoporotic patients. Even after radiographic fracture healing, persistent functional limitation may occur, especially in patients unable to complete structured postoperative rehabilitation. Osteoporosis further complicates rehabilitation due to bone fragility and the increased risk of re-fracture.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>A 76-year-old woman with severe osteoporosis presented nine months after surgical fixation of a humeral head fracture (Neer one-part, treated with K-wires) with secondary shoulder stiffness, characterized by severe pain, functional limitation, muscle weakness, and sleep disturbances. Radiographs obtained at presentation confirmed fracture union without secondary displacement. A four-month non-invasive rehabilitation program based on a combined repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) protocol, using a novel double-coil static applicator and a dynamic handheld applicator, was prescribed. After two months, marked clinical improvement was observed: pain intensity decreased from 9/10 to 1/10, muscle strength improved from 1/5 to 4/5, and sleep disturbances resolved. Serial MRI scans demonstrated a progressive reduction of bone marrow edema and complete resolution of intra-articular effusion, while functional testing confirmed near-complete recovery of shoulder function.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case illustrates that a combined approach using the novel double-coil and handheld rPMS may represent a feasible non-invasive adjunct in the management of persistent postoperative shoulder stiffness in elderly osteoporotic patients. While clinical and radiological improvement was observed, causal inference remains limited in a single-case design, and these findings should be confirmed in future controlled studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101328"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-21eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101325
Zoltan Cibula, Jozef Cabala, Milan Cipkala, Peter Lisý, Juraj Cabala
{"title":"Bilateral subcapital femoral fractures associated with transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy: a case report.","authors":"Zoltan Cibula, Jozef Cabala, Milan Cipkala, Peter Lisý, Juraj Cabala","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bilateral femoral neck fractures associated with transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) during pregnancy are rare. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman at 35 weeks of gestation who presented with progressive bilateral hip pain and impaired mobility without preceding trauma. Only a limited number of similar cases have been reported, underscoring the importance of considering TOH in the differential diagnosis of pelvic girdle pain in pregnant and postpartum women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Initial conservative management with analgesia and supportive care was unsuccessful, and the patient's condition deteriorated, resulting in immobility and severe pain. Delivery was performed via cesarean section based on a multidisciplinary team decision. Postpartum MRI revealed bilateral subcapital femoral neck fractures. Surgical treatment consisted of bilateral closed reduction and internal fixation using the Femoral Neck System (FNS), achieving satisfactory reduction and stable fixation. Six months postoperatively, clinical deterioration of the left hip required implantation of a non-cemented total hip arthroplasty due to partial avascular necrosis of the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head. Identified risk factors included advanced maternal age, obesity, pregnancy achieved through assisted reproductive technology (IVF), hypothyroidism, and presumed osteopenia. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of TOH and emphasizes the importance of early recognition to prevent severe complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101325"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-21eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101332
Karen Huang, Rossalee Dominguez, Synda Harper, Christopher Gamez, Jideofor Aniukwu, Alan Sori
{"title":"Total eclipse of the heart: an interesting case of cardiac tamponade development following a post-traumatic dry pericardial window.","authors":"Karen Huang, Rossalee Dominguez, Synda Harper, Christopher Gamez, Jideofor Aniukwu, Alan Sori","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101332","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101332","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Delayed cardiac tamponade following a dry pericardial window in trauma patients, particularly those with transmediastinal gunshot wounds (TMGSW), is extremely rare and presents a significant diagnostic challenge. This report presents the case of a 34-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds to the thorax and abdomen who initially presented with a dry pericardial window and a stable post-operative course. Unexpectedly, by the third postoperative day, the patient developed acute pericarditis. This was followed by neurologic decline, severe hemodynamic instability, and a large pericardial effusion consistent with cardiac tamponade by postoperative day six. Emergency surgical exploration revealed approximately 500 mL of bloody fluid within the pericardial sac. This case highlights that the presence of a dry pericardial window in TMGSW trauma does not rule out the possibility of significant underlying cardiac injuries. It emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, routine imaging, and consideration of early drainage techniques to prevent delayed complications. Additionally, recognizing that delayed cardiac tamponade may manifest subtly, including with neurological symptoms, is essential for improving outcomes in high-risk trauma cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101332"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13157161/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147869642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A technical pitfall in resuscitative thoracotomy: Delayed mechanical myocardial injury from a narrow pericardiotomy.","authors":"Yasutaka Saito, Hirotaka Yamamoto, Shinichiro Irabu","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mechanical complications related to the configuration of the pericardiotomy during resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) have not been previously documented. No prior report has visually demonstrated a mechanism by which an insufficient pericardiotomy leaves a sharp margin that directly abrades the beating heart.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 62-year-old man in traumatic cardiac arrest underwent left anterolateral RT and right thoracotomy for hemorrhage control. Pericardiotomy was performed anterior to the phrenic nerve, followed by internal cardiac massage. After temporary closure, he developed recurrent shock 10 h later. CT showed new contrast extravasation along the left ventricular wall. Re-exploration revealed a focal abrasion caused by repetitive contact between a sharp pericardial edge and the beating ventricle. Bleeding was controlled using a fibrin-collagen patch, and the mechanical interaction between the pericardial edge and the left ventricle was resolved by extending the pericardiotomy to the apex. The patient ultimately recovered and was discharged.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This video-documented case demonstrates delayed myocardial injury caused by direct mechanical contact between a narrow pericardiotomy edge and the beating heart, highlighting the need for adequate incision width and attention to pericardial margin during RT.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101326"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126322/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-03-19eCollection Date: 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101311
Omar A Osorno-Aimar, Nathaniel Lara-Palazuelos, Nicolas Valladares, Maria G Zavala-Cerna
{"title":"Matrix-induced autologous chondrocytes implantation for a large iatrogenic osteochondral defect of the knee: A case report.","authors":"Omar A Osorno-Aimar, Nathaniel Lara-Palazuelos, Nicolas Valladares, Maria G Zavala-Cerna","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Knee large osteochondral defects (OCD) in young adults are associated with functional impairment and reduced quality of life, most common etiologies include osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) or recent trauma. Currently there is an ongoing debate on the best treatment, where patient age, physical activity and etiology should be considered for the appropriate treatment. Here we present a case of a 39-year-old man who experienced severe left knee pain with significant limitation in mobility and was unable to bear weight. Importantly the clinical presentation started after an arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction. A knee MRI revealed a structural osteochondral lesion of the medial femoral condyle of 25 mm length × 15 mm wide × 10 mm deep that affected over 50% of the loading zone of the medial femoral condyle with a reabsorption of the graft from the previous ACL reconstruction. The osteochondral defect in the medial condyle perfectly aligned with the anterior cruciate ligament femoral tunnel. This young man was diagnosed with an iatrogenic structural osteochondral defect in the medial condyle, and he was treated with matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and autologous bone grafting using the segmental sandwich technique. Recovery was evaluated via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System (mCKRS).</p><p><strong>The case: </strong>•Severe left knee pain with limited mobility in a young man after an arthroscopic procedure•Large iatrogenic structural osteochondral defect in the medial condyle•Two stage surgery with matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation with autologous bone grafting in a segmental sandwich technique.</p><p><strong>Lessons learned: </strong>•Iatrogenic osteochondral lesions are still frequent, cautions should be taken when undergoing arthroscopy while the drill is under power.•A thorough and systematic evaluation of the knee, including the cartilage and subchondral bone are essential for proper diagnosis, considering previous medical information.•A definitive two stage surgery with matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation and autologous bone grafting might be an effective and definite repair technique, as it can offer a rapid recovery specially in young patients with higher demands.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>V.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"61 ","pages":"101311"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030984/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Asymptomatic retained knife blade following stab wound to the chest: A rare presentation.","authors":"Ghazi Lâamiri, Hazem Alouani, Nada Ltifi, Houda Gazzah, Mahdi Bouassida, Hassen Touinsi","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101304","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Penetrating thoracic trauma from stabbing is a common emergency presentation. However, the retention of a knife blade within the thoracic cavity with delayed, asymptomatic presentation is exceedingly rare.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report the case of a 28-year-old male who remained asymptomatic for three days following a stab wound to the right hemithorax sustained during a physical altercation. The handle of the knife detached, leaving the blade completely embedded in the chest. Upon presentation, the patient was hemodynamically stable and reported no respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms. A chest radiograph revealed a retained metallic object consistent with a knife blade within the right hemithorax. The patient underwent right posterolateral thoracotomy, during which the blade was retrieved and a parenchymal laceration of the right lung was identified and repaired. The thoracic cavity was closed over a chest tube. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in good condition.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Retained knife blades following penetrating chest trauma are uncommon, and their asymptomatic presentation is exceptional. The absence of early complications can be attributed to a non-transfixing trajectory that spares major vascular and visceral structures. Prompt imaging remains essential for diagnosis and surgical planning.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Even apparently benign stab wounds require systematic imaging evaluation. Retained foreign bodies may remain clinically silent but carry potential for delayed complications, emphasizing the importance of thorough radiological and surgical assessment in all penetrating thoracic injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"61 ","pages":"101304"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030986/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}