Management of Blunt Chest Trauma.

Common mechanisms of blunt thoracic injury include motor vehicle collisions and falls. Chest wall injuries include rib fractures and sternal fractures; treatment involves supportive care, multimodal analgesia, and pulmonary toilet. Pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusions are also common and may be managed expectantly or with tube thoracostomy as indicated. Surgical treatment may be considered in select cases. Less common injury patterns include blunt trauma to the tracheobronchial tree, esophagus, diaphragm, heart, or aorta. Operative intervention is more often required to address these injuries.

The Role of Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Trauma.

This article delves into the role of minimally invasive surgeries in trauma, specifically laparoscopy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). It discusses the benefits of laparoscopy over traditional laparotomy, including its accuracy in detecting peritoneal violation and intraperitoneal injuries caused by penetrating trauma. The article also explores the use of laparoscopy as an adjunct to nonoperative management of abdominal injuries and in cases of blunt trauma with unclear abdominal injuries. Furthermore, it highlights the benefits of VATS in diagnosing and treating thoracic injuries, such as traumatic diaphragmatic injuries, retained hematomas, and persistent pneumothorax.

Late presentation of traumatic tricuspid valve chordal rupture and pericardial rupture with cardiac herniation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although chest trauma happens very often, accompanying tricuspid valve injuries occur rarely and may be manifested by scarce symptoms and signs. Pericardial rupture with cardiac herniation is even a bigger rarity. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a key role in the diagnosis of valve injuries but is of limited value in cardiac herniation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of 58-year-old man who experienced severe chest trauma in a car accident. Symptoms of right heart failure occurred 10 years after the injury, due to the loss of tricuspid leaflet support caused by the rupture of tendinous chords with significant tricuspid regurgitation. Intraoperatively, old posttraumatic pericardial rupture into left pleura was also found, with partial cardiac herniation and pressure of the edge of pericardium on all left-sided coronary arteries simultaneously. The patient was successfully operated and is free of symptoms 4 years later. CONCLUSIONS: This case emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and underlines a mechanism that leads to delayed rupture of the tricuspid valve apparatus. Repeated echocardiography in all patients who experienced chest trauma could be of great importance. Also, given the limited value of echocardiography in posttraumatic pericardial rupture and cardiac herniation, cardiac computed tomography should be performed.

[Treatment strategy for severe implosion injuries of the lateral chest wall]. / Versorgungsstrategie bei schweren Implosionsverletzungen der lateralen Thoraxwand.

In the majority of cases implosion injuries to the thoracic wall are caused by blunt, massive force acting on the thorax. Basically, different regions and directions of the acting energy have to be taken into account. In common usage, the term implosion injury has become established, especially for the sequelae of lateral energy impact. Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the shoulder girdle, the underlying hemithorax and its intrathoracic organs.

Balloon Rises Above: REBOA at Zone 1 May Be Superior to Resuscitative Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: The use of Zone 1 REBOA for life-threatening trauma has increased dramatically. STUDY DESIGN: The Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery database was queried for blunt and penetrating trauma between 2013 and 2021. Outcomes were examined both for mechanisms of injury combined and separately and for combinations of abdominal injury with and without traumatic brain injury and chest injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score >2). RESULTS: A total of 531 patients underwent REBOA (408 with blunt injury and 123 with penetrating injury) and 1,603 (595 with blunt injury and 1,008 with penetrating injury) underwent resuscitative thoracotomy (RT). Mean age was 38.5 ± 16 years and mean injury severity score was 34.5 ± 21; 57.7% had chest AIS score of more than 2, 21.8% had head AIS score of more than 2, and 37.3% had abdominal AIS score of more than 2. Admission Glasgow Coma Scale was 4.9 + 4, and systolic blood pressure at aortic occlusion (AO) was 22 + 40 mmHg. No differences in outcomes in REBOA or RT patients were identified between institutions (p > 0.5). After inverse probability weighting, Glasgow Coma Scale, age, injury severity score, systolic blood pressure at AO, CPR at AO, and blood product transfusion, REBOA was superior to RT in both blunt (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% CI 1.9 to 11.7) and penetrating (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 14) injuries, across all spectrums of injury (p < 0.01). Overall mortality was significantly higher for AO more than 90 minutes compared with less than 30 minutes in blunt (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 15) and penetrating (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 25) injuries. Duration of AO more than 60 minutes was significantly associated with mortality after penetrating abdominal injury (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 22) and abdomen and head (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 18). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital survival is higher for patients undergoing REBOA than RT for all injury patterns. Complete AO by REBOA or RT should be limited to less than 30 minutes. Neither hospital and procedure volume nor trauma verification level impacts outcomes for REBOA or RT.

TRAUMATIC PULMONARY HERNIATION: A RARE CHEST TRAUMA MANIFESTATION.

Traumatic pulmonary hernia is an uncommon occurrence resulting from chest trauma, typically covered by the skin. Chest trauma may arise from penetrating or blunt mechanisms, with blunt trauma being more frequently observed. When lung herniation transpires, various symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, subcutaneous emphysema, bone crepitation, and hemoptysis (in cases of lung parenchymal damage) may manifest. We present the case of a 66-year-old woman suffering from chest pain and dyspnea after blunt chest trauma due to a fall induced by delirium following alcohol abuse.

[Diagnosis and treatment of traumatic esophageal perforation.] / A traumás nyelocso-perforáció diagnosztikája, kezelési stratégiája egy konzervatívan sikeresen kezelt eset kapcsán.

Traumatic esophageal injuries are extremely rare and challenging both from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. As regards one of their patients, the authors review the etiology and the pathophysiology of esophageal perforations. They present the case of a 36-year-old patient with a penetrating chest trauma. During an acute surgery, the foreign body was removed from the mediastinum, but in the early postoperative period, an oesophageal rupture was recognized. After conservative management, the patient was discharged from the hospital without any complications 82 days after the injury. Considering that the traumatic esophageal rupture is rare and the mortality of these patients is very high, it is important to make a good decision in time. The authors would like to highlight that even in the case of severe penetrating esophageal injury, the right therapeutical decision can lead to complete recovery. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(43): 1719-1724.

Emergency department management of pediatric blunt thoracic injuries.

Pediatric chest trauma can present with a wide array of symptoms and with varying rates of morbidity and mortality. Children have unique thoracic anatomical and physiological characteristics, often necessitating diagnostic and management considerations that differ from management of blunt chest injury in adults. This review discusses diagnostic and treatment modalities for commonly encountered injuries in pediatric blunt thoracic trauma, such as pulmonary contusions, rib fractures, pneumothoraces, and hemothoraces. Rarely encountered but high-mortality injuries, including blunt cardiac injury, commotio cordis, tracheobronchial injury, and aortic injury, are also discussed.

Thoracic Emergencies for the General Surgeon.

In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of common and uncommon general surgery thoracic emergencies as well as basic thoracic anatomy, common diagnostic tests, and operative positioning and access considerations. We also describe specific thoracic procedures. We hope that this article simplifies some of the challenges associated with the management of thoracic emergencies.

[Reconstructive surgery for late complications after blunt chest wall trauma]. / Rekonstruktivno-vosstanovitel'nye vmeshatel'stva pri pozdnikh oslozhneniyakh zakrytoi travmy grudi.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence and structure of late complications after blunt chest trauma, feasibility of surgical correction and effectiveness of these interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Treatment outcomes were analyzed in 26 patients with late complications of blunt chest wall trauma. Severe chest deformities were diagnosed in 8 patients, non-union rib fracture - 5, pulmonary hernia - 4, chronic abscesses and pseudocysts of soft tissues of the chest - 3, osteomyelitis of the ribs - 3, chronic recurrent pulmonary bleeding following damage to lung parenchyma by rib fragments - 2, persistent post-traumatic pleuritis - in 1 patient. RESULTS: Among 26 patients, 23 ones underwent surgical correction of complications. Reconstructive procedures were performed in 5 out of 8 patients with post-traumatic chest deformities. In 5 patients with non-union rib fractures, surgery consisted of resection of ribs, excision of capsule and scar tissue, osteosynthesis. Thoracic pulmonary hernia required thoracotomy, viscerolysis, chest wall defect closure by bringing together the ribs and fixing with pulley sutures or ZipFix system. In 2 patients, pulmonary hernia was combined with non-union rib fracture. These patients underwent additional resection of false joints and osteosynthesis. Three patients were diagnosed with chronic abscesses and pseudocysts of soft tissues of the chest. Surgical treatment was carried out according to the principles of staged debridement of chronic purulent foci. Osteomyelitis of ribs in 3 patients required resection within intact tissues. Fixation of ribs by metal structures was not performed in these patients, and we performed only muscle and soft tissue repair. Conservative treatment was carried out in 3 patients with chest deformity. There were no lethal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Pathological syndromes in long-term period after blunt chest trauma require surgical correction. Surgical treatment of patients with late complications of chest trauma should be aimed at chest stabilization, improving respiratory function and preventing secondary and tertiary complications. Osteosynthesis allows not only to eliminate pathological syndromes, but also increase tolerance to physical activity and quality of life.

Analysis of diagnoses of chest injuries in a Nigerian trauma center.

Background: Chest injury is one of the most common types of trauma-related injuries accounting for about 10% of trauma admissions in emergency services. The injuries may be immediate, life-threatening, or potentially life-threatening based on diagnosis after initial assessment. This study is intended to analyze the pattern of diagnosis found in chest-injured patients in a trauma center of a developing country. Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in the trauma center of the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, between January 2015 and December 2017, as an analysis of the existing trauma registry. Data procession was done using SPSS version 24.0. Results were presented in tables and figures. Results: A total of 637 patients' data was studied, male to female ratio of 3.58 and mean age of 34.18 ± 11.34 years. More patients sustained isolated chest injury (59.5%) and blunt chest injury (78%). The most frequent diagnosis was chest wall soft tissue injury (CWSTI) (46.6%) despite the exclusion of minor chest wall injuries who did not require any form of observation. Haemothorax and rib fractures were the next most common diagnoses after CWSTI constituting 13.5% and 8.7%, respectively, while flail chest and aortic injuries were the least comprising 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. The commonest associated injuries were traumatic brain injury (11.3%), extremity fractures (11.1%), and abdominal injuries (7.8%). Penetrating injuries were more significantly associated with male gender and isolated chest injuries (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Chest wall soft tissue injuries constitute a large proportion of chest injuries seen in our setting. Despite its relatively low importance in the medical literature, it should be given attention in resource-poor settings in order to minimize missed significant injuries in the absence of diagnostic facilities. Therefore, high index of suspicion and low threshold for observation should be practiced in this group of patients.

Health care utilization outcomes in patients with blunt chest wall trauma following discharge from the emergency department: A retrospective, observational data-linkage study.

BACKGROUND: Although much is published reporting clinical outcomes in the patients with blunt chest wall trauma who are admitted to hospital from the ED, less is known about the patients' recovery when they are discharged directly without admission. The aim of this study was to investigate the health care utilization outcomes in adult patients with blunt chest wall trauma, discharged directly from ED in a trauma unit in the United Kingdom. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, retrospective, single-center, observational study incorporating analysis of linked datasets, using the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank for admissions to a trauma unit in the Wales, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. All patients 16 years or older with a primary diagnosis of blunt chest wall trauma discharged directly home were included. Data were analyzed using a negative binomial regression model. RESULTS: There were 3,205 presentations to the ED included. Mean age was 53 years, 57% were male, with the predominant injury mechanism being a low velocity fall (50%). 93% of the cohort sustained between 0 and 3 rib fractures. Four percent of the cohort were reported to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 4% using preinjury anticoagulants. On regression analysis, inpatient admissions, outpatient appointments and primary care contacts all significantly increased in the 12-week period postinjury, compared with the 12-week period preinjury (odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-1.99; p < 0.001; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14-1.43; p < 0.001; OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; p < 0.001, respectively). Risk of health care resource utilization increased significantly with each additional year of age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and preinjury anticoagulant use (all p < 0.05). Social deprivation and number of rib fracture did not impact outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate the need for appropriate signposting and follow-up for patients with blunt chest wall trauma presenting to the ED, not requiring admission to the hospital. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

[Bilateral thoracic trauma-"double the trouble"?] / Beidseitiges Thoraxtrauma ­ "double the trouble"?

BACKGROUND: Thoracic trauma is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Assessing the risk for complications is essential for planning the further treatment strategies and managing resources in thoracic trauma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze concomitant injuries in unilateral and bilateral rib fractures and pulmonary contusions and evaluate differences in complication rates between the two. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, data from all patients diagnosed with thoracic trauma at a level I trauma center were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to examine an association of unilateral or bilateral rib fractures, serial rib fractures, and pulmonary contusions with multiple injuries and outcomes. In addition, multivariate regression analysis was utilized to determine the impact of age, gender and additional injuries on outcome. RESULTS: A total of 714 patients were included in the analysis. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 19. Patients with an additional thoracic spine injury had a significantly higher incidence of bilateral rib fractures. Pulmonary contusions were associated with younger age. Abdominal injuries were predictors for bilateral pulmonary contusions. Complications occurred in 36% of the patients. Bilateral injuries increased the complication rate up to 70%. Pelvic and abdominal injuries as well as the need for a chest drain were significant risk factors for complications. The mortality rate was 10%, with higher age, head and pelvic injuries as predictors. CONCLUSION: Patients with bilateral chest trauma had an increased incidence of complications and a higher mortality rate. Bilateral injuries and significant risk factors must therefore be considered. Injury of the thoracic spine should be excluded in those patients.

The first hour of trauma reception is critical for patients with major thoracic trauma: A retrospective analysis from the TraumaRegister DGU.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of trauma deaths are related to thoracic injuries. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal was to analyse the incidence and time distribution of death in adult patients with major thoracic injuries. The secondary goal was to determine if potentially preventable deaths occurred within this time distribution and, if so, identify an associated therapeutic window. DESIGN: Retrospective observational analysis. SETTING: TraumaRegister DGU. PATIENTS: Major thoracic injury was defined as an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 3 or greater. Patients with severe head injury (AIS ≥ 4) or injuries to other body regions with AIS being greater than the thoracic injury (AIS other >AIS thorax) were excluded to ensure that the most severe injury described was primarily thoracic related. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and time distribution of mortality were considered the primary outcome measures. Patient and clinical characteristics and resuscitative interventions were analysed in relation to the time distribution of death. RESULTS: Among adult major trauma cases with direct admission from the accident scene, 45% had thoracic injuries and overall mortality was 9.3%. In those with major thoracic trauma ( n  = 24 332) mortality was 5.9% ( n  = 1437). About 25% of these deaths occurred within the first hour after admission and 48% within the first day. No peak in late mortality was seen. The highest incidences of hypoxia and shock were seen in non-survivors with immediate death within 1 h and early death (1 to 6 h). These groups received the largest number of resuscitative interventions. Haemorrhage was the leading cause of death in these groups, whereas organ failure was the leading cause of death amongst those who survived the first 6 h after admission. CONCLUSION: About half of adult major trauma cases had thoracic injuries. In non-survivors with primarily major thoracic trauma, most deaths occurred immediately (<1h) or within the first 6 h after injury. Further research should analyse if improvements in trauma resuscitation performed within this time frame will reduce preventable deaths. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study is reported within the publication guidelines of the TraumaRegister DGU® and registered as TR-DGU project ID 2020-022.

Chest and Thorax Injuries in Athletes.

Injuries to the chest and thorax are rare, but when they occur, they can be life-threatening. It is important to have a high index of suspicion to be able to make these diagnoses when evaluating a patient with a chest injury. Often, sideline management is limited and immediate transport to a hospital is indicated.

Scoping review of the literature to ascertain how the STUMBL Score clinical prediction model is used to manage patients with blunt chest wall trauma in emergency care.

INTRODUCTION: The STUMBL Score clinical prediction model was originally developed and externally validated to support clinical decision-making of patients with blunt chest wall trauma in the Emergency Department. The aim of this scoping review was to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the STUMBL Score clinical prediction model as a component of the management of patients with blunt chest wall trauma managed in the Emergency Care setting. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across databases, including Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from Jan 2014 to Feb 2023. In addition, a search of the grey literature was undertaken along with citation searching of relevant studies. Published and non-published sources of all research designs were included. Data extracted included specific details about the participants, concept, context, study methods and key findings relevant to the review question. Data extraction followed the JBI guidance and results presented in tabular format accompanied with a narrative summary. RESULTS: A total of 44 sources originating from eight countries were identified, 28 were published and 16 grey literature. Sources were grouped into four separate categories: 1) external validation studies, 2) guidance documents, 3) practice reviews and educational resources 3) research studies and quality improvement projects, 4) grey literature unpublished resources. This body of evidence describes the clinical utility of the STUMBL Score and has identify how the score is being implemented and used differently in different settings including analgesic selection and participant eligibility for including in chest wall injury research studies. DISCUSSION: This review demonstrates how the STUMBL Score has evolved from solely predicting risk of respiratory complications to a measure which supports clinical decision making for the use of complex analgesic modes and as a guide for eligibility in chest wall injury trauma research studies. Despite external validation of the STUMBL Score, there is a need for further calibration and evaluation, particularly relating to these repurposed functions of the score. Overall, the clinical benefit of the score remains clear and its wide usage demonstrates the impact it has on clinical care, patient experience and clinician decision making.

Accuracy of diagnostic tests in cardiac injury after blunt chest trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of cardiac contusion, caused by blunt chest trauma, remains a challenge due to the non-specific symptoms it causes and the lack of ideal tests to diagnose myocardial damage. A cardiac contusion can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Several diagnostic tests have been used to evaluate the risk of cardiac complications, but the challenge of identifying patients with contusions nevertheless remains. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tests for detecting blunt cardiac injury (BCI) and its complications, in patients with severe chest injuries, who are assessed in an emergency department or by any front-line emergency physician. METHODS: A targeted search strategy was performed using Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases from 1993 up to October 2022. Data on at least one of the following diagnostic tests: electrocardiogram (ECG), serum creatinine phosphokinase-MB level (CPK-MB), echocardiography (Echo), Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) or Cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Diagnostic tests for cardiac contusion were evaluated for their accuracy in meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and the QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess bias of the studies. RESULTS: This systematic review yielded 51 studies (n = 5,359). The weighted mean incidence of myocardial injuries after sustaining a blunt force trauma stood at 18.3% of cases. Overall weighted mean mortality among patients with blunt cardiac injury was 7.6% (1.4-36.4%). Initial ECG, cTnI, cTnT and transthoracic echocardiography TTE all showed high specificity (> 80%), but lower sensitivity (< 70%). TEE had a specificity of 72.1% (range 35.8-98.2%) and sensitivity of 86.7% (range 40-99.2%) in diagnosing cardiac contusion. CK-MB had the lowest diagnostic odds ratio of 3.598 (95% CI: 1.832-7.068). Normal ECG accompanied by normal cTnI showed a high sensitivity of 85% in ruling out cardiac injuries. CONCLUSION: Emergency physicians face great challenges in diagnosing cardiac injuries in patients following blunt trauma. In the majority of cases, joint use of ECG and cTnI was a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to rule out cardiac injuries. In addition, TEE may be highly accurate in identifying cardiac injuries in suspected cases.

A random forest model using flow cytometry data identifies pulmonary infection after thoracic injury.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic injury can cause impairment of lung function leading to respiratory complications such as pneumonia (PNA). There is increasing evidence that central memory T cells of the adaptive immune system play a key role in pulmonary immunity. We sought to explore whether assessment of cell phenotypes using flow cytometry (FCM) could be used to identify pulmonary infection after thoracic trauma. METHODS: We prospectively studied trauma patients with thoracic injuries who survived >48 hours at a Level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2020. Clinical and FCM data from serum samples collected within 24 hours of admission were considered as potential variables. Random forest and logistic regression models were developed to estimate the risk of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated PNA. Variables were selected using backwards elimination, and models were internally validated with leave-one-out. RESULTS: Seventy patients with thoracic injuries were included (median age, 35 years [interquartile range (IQR), 25.25-51 years]; 62.9% [44 of 70] male, 61.4% [42 of 70] blunt trauma). The most common injuries included rib fractures (52 of 70 [74.3%]) and pulmonary contusions (26 of 70 [37%]). The incidence of PNA was 14 of 70 (20%). Median Injury Severity Score was similar for patients with and without PNA (30.5 [IQR, 22.6-39.3] vs. 26.5 [IQR, 21.6-33.3]). The final random forest model selected three variables (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score, highest pulse rate in first 24 hours, and frequency of CD4 + central memory cells) that identified PNA with an area under the curve of 0.93, sensitivity of 0.91, and specificity of 0.88. A logistic regression with the same features had an area under the curve of 0.86, sensitivity of 0.76, and specificity of 0.85. CONCLUSION: Clinical and FCM data have diagnostic utility in the early identification of patients at risk of nosocomial PNA following thoracic injury. Signs of physiologic stress and lower frequency of central memory cells appear to be associated with higher rates of PNA after thoracic trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Test/Criteria; Level IV.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination to identify life- and limb-threatening injuries in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Timely and accurate identification of life- and limb-threatening injuries (LLTIs) is a fundamental objective of trauma care that directly informs triage and treatment decisions. However, the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination to detect LLTIs is largely unknown, due to the risk of contamination from in-hospital diagnostics in existing studies. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of initial clinical examination for detecting life- and limb-threatening injuries (LLTIs). Secondary aims were to identify factors associated with missed injury and overdiagnosis, and determine the impact of clinician uncertainty on diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Retrospective diagnostic accuracy study of consecutive adult (≥ 16 years) patients examined at the scene of injury by experienced trauma clinicians, and admitted to a Major Trauma Center between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2020. Diagnoses of LLTIs made on contemporaneous clinical records were compared to hospital coded diagnoses. Diagnostic performance measures were calculated overall, and based on clinician uncertainty. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors affecting missed injury and overdiagnosis. RESULTS: Among 947 trauma patients, 821 were male (86.7%), median age was 31 years (range 16-89), 569 suffered blunt mechanisms (60.1%), and 522 (55.1%) sustained LLTIs. Overall, clinical examination had a moderate ability to detect LLTIs, which varied by body region: head (sensitivity 69.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) 59.1%), chest (sensitivity 58.7%, PPV 53.3%), abdomen (sensitivity 51.9%, PPV 30.7%), pelvis (sensitivity 23.5%, PPV 50.0%), and long bone fracture (sensitivity 69.9%, PPV 74.3%). Clinical examination poorly detected life-threatening thoracic (sensitivity 48.1%, PPV 13.0%) and abdominal (sensitivity 43.6%, PPV 20.0%) bleeding. Missed injury was more common in patients with polytrauma (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.62-2.07) or shock (systolic blood pressure OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.988-0.998). Overdiagnosis was more common in shock (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.986-0.995) or when clinicians were uncertain (OR 6.42, 95% CI 4.63-8.99). Uncertainty improved sensitivity but reduced PPV, impeding diagnostic precision. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical examination performed by experienced trauma clinicians has only a moderate ability to detect LLTIs. Clinicians must appreciate the limitations of clinical examination, and the impact of uncertainty, when making clinical decisions in trauma. This study provides impetus for diagnostic adjuncts and decision support systems in trauma.

Managing blunt cardiac injury.

Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) encompasses a spectrum of pathologies ranging from clinically silent, transient arrhythmias to deadly cardiac wall rupture. Of diagnosed BCIs, cardiac contusion is most common. Suggestive symptoms may be unrelated to BCI, while some injuries may be clinically asymptomatic. Cardiac rupture is the most devastating complication of BCI. Most patients who sustain rupture of a heart chamber do not reach the emergency department alive. The incidence of BCI following blunt thoracic trauma remains variable and no gold standard exists to either diagnose cardiac injury or provide management. Diagnostic tests should be limited to identifying those patients who are at risk of developing cardiac complications as a result of cardiac in jury. Therapeutic interventions should be directed to treat the complications of cardiac injury. Prompt, appropriate and well-orchestrated surgical treatment is invaluable in the management of the unstable patients.