BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish patient characteristics and the severity and extent of thoracic injury for patients referred to a Norwegian regional trauma centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients (n = 436) treated for thoracic injuries at St. Olavs University Hospital between 01.01. 2003 and 31.12. 2004 were analysed retrospectively. The patients were identified from the hospital diagnosis registry by ICD-10 codes. RESULTS: Traffic accidents and falls accounted for 92% of all injuries. The most common thoracic injury was rib fracture (55%) and the most common internal thoracic injury was pneumothorax (24%). About half of the patients (221/446) had associated extra-thoracic injuries. Observation and pain relief was the only treatment in 290 patients. Chest tube was the most common treatment, and was used in 88 cases (20%). 50 patients (12%) received ventilator treatment. Nine patients underwent thoracic surgery, four of these died. In-hospital mortality was 5% (20/436 patients). Head injury and bleeding from internal organs were the most frequent causes of death. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic injuries are a frequent challenge at St. Olavs University Hospital. Many patients have both thoracic and extra-thoracic injuries. Mortality is related to the severity of the injury, advanced age and comorbidity.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish patient characteristics and the severity and extent of thoracic injury for patients referred to a Norwegian regional trauma centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients (n = 436) treated for thoracic injuries at St. Olavs University Hospital between 01.01. 2003 and 31.12. 2004 were analysed retrospectively. The patients were identified from the hospital diagnosis registry by ICD-10 codes. RESULTS: Traffic accidents and falls accounted for 92% of all injuries. The most common thoracic injury was rib fracture (55%) and the most common internal thoracic injury was pneumothorax (24%). About half of the patients (221/446) had associated extra-thoracic injuries. Observation and pain relief was the only treatment in 290 patients. Chest tube was the most common treatment, and was used in 88 cases (20%). 50 patients (12%) received ventilator treatment. Nine patients underwent thoracic surgery, four of these died. In-hospital mortality was 5% (20/436 patients). Head injury and bleeding from internal organs were the most frequent causes of death. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic injuries are a frequent challenge at St. Olavs University Hospital. Many patients have both thoracic and extra-thoracic injuries. Mortality is related to the severity of the injury, advanced age and comorbidity.