[Apparently benign thoracic trauma: what to be aware of?].
In case of chest trauma, the physician must always carefully evaluate the following parameters before to consider the case as uncomplicated (TTS): 1) the speed and circumstances of the accident; 2) the localization and the intensity of the pain; and 3) the presence of signs of respiratory failure and/or haemodynamic instability. Among patients aged greater than 65, the number of ribs fractured can predict mortality. Patients presenting with TTS, can be discharged from the hospital, provided they are prescribed with adequate analgesic medication and basic physiotherapy exercises, followed by a medical check-up after a five-day period.
Vermeulen
B
B
Centre d'accueil et d'urgences et Unité de chirurgie au CAU, Service de chirurgie digestive, Département de chirurgie, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. Bernard.Vermeulen@hcuge.ch
Konstantinidis
P
P
D000059:Accidents; D000367:Age Factors; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000209:etiology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*