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http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/25703
Title: | A study on medico legally significant blunt thoracic trauma. |
Authors: | Gunathilaka, M.M.A.C. Kitulwatte, I.D.G. Wijewardena, H. Gunathilaka, K.M.T.B Dissanayake, C. Jayathilake, R. Wijeratne, P. |
Keywords: | Thoracic trauma Blunt force Medico-legal significance |
Issue Date: | 2023 |
Publisher: | Institute of Medico-legal Publications |
Citation: | Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. 2023;17(1):112-119 |
Abstract: | INTRODUCTION: Thoracic trauma (TT) accounts for significant mortality and morbidity. Blunt thoracic trauma is reported more frequently than sharp force trauma, where motor traffic collisions account for the majority. Addressing medico-legal issues is often a challenge in TT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate blunt chest trauma from a medico-legal point of view. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted based on case records of the victims (living and dead) of TT over three years presented to a Teaching Hospital and a District General Hospital in Western Province. RESULTS: There were 248 living patients and 195 deceased. Road accidents accounted for TT in 236 (53.3%), followed by 166 (37.5%) assaults. Out of the deceased, 89% had a very short survival period. “Multiple chest injuries” was the cause of death in 83 (42.5%) dead, and 91 (46.7%) died due to TT. Road accidents accounted for N=71 (78% of deaths due to TT). Out of the live patients, 87 (35.8%) had grievous or above-category injuries to the chest, and victims of assault were commonly having non-grievous injuries with a significant association (p<0.001). A total of 175 (39.5%) had rib fractures, and 125 were following motor traffic accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt TT accounts for significant mortality and morbidity, with the most common circumstances being road accidents. Most of them come under a severe category of hurt with a short survival period among the dead. |
URI: | http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/25703 |
ISSN: | 0973-9122 |
Appears in Collections: | Journal/Magazine Articles |
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22+(3).pdf | 1.12 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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