The time course of recovery following mild thoracic trauma.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine when patients are able to return to their normal work or home activities.


METHODS
Eighty cases, 35 females (44%) and 45 males (56%), presenting to our hospital between the years of 2003 and 2004 were prospectively evaluated. There were no hemopneumothorax or associated injury. The patients were randomized into two groups with respect to treatment modalities as the following: non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and Tramadol treatment groups. In the follow-up, visual analog scale (VAS), and vital capacity were conducted on the days 0, 2, 7 and 30 and 6 months. The results were statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
The mean age of the group receiving NSAIDs was 55.42 +/- 15.72, and for the group receiving tramadol treatment, it was 55.67 +/- 17.23. VAS result was 7.8 +/- 1.8 in those receiving NSAIDs treatment, while it was 8.2 +/- 1.6 in the other group. The vital capacity was 235.54 +/- 82 ml for the former group, and 232.43 +/- 89.44 for the latter. In their follow-up, particularly by the 7th day, significant improvement of VAS and vital capacity were observed (p < 0.01). Maximum improvement was achieved on the 30th day (p < 0.001). There was no change in the 6th month.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients are able to return to their normal work or home activities after 7 days. Patients experienced steadily decreasing pain and improved vital capacity at each time point after injury. No difference in response was seen between the two medications. A significant improvement is observed by the 7th day after the trauma (p < 0.01). Optimal improvement was achieved on the 30th day (p < 0.001).
Han
Serdar
S
Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Metis Doruk Sitesi D Blok no: 8 Keklikpinari Dikmen, Ankara, Turkey. serdarhan1@yahoo.com
Baldemir
Makbule
M
Kose
S Kenan
SK
Erdem
Deniz
D
Sakinci
Unal
U
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014147:Tramadol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D014147:Tramadol