Long-term Outcomes After Blunt Injury to the Boney Thorax

Abstract

Management of blunt injury to the boney thorax centers on the hospital; yet, these injuries continue to impact patients long after hospitalization. The purpose of this literature review was to identify long-term outcomes associated with this injury. A literature search found 616 studies and, after screening, yielded 6 articles for review. Patient and injury characteristics and postinjury assessment findings were explored. The impact of this injury can be prolonged and life altering, prompting the need for further investigation. A greater understanding of injury-specific posthospitalization outcomes could elucidate the impact of these injuries on patients, families, and society.

The long-term outcomes and health-related quality of life of patients following blunt thoracic injury: a narrative literature review

“…In contrast to this, the evidence available surrounding long-term outcome after BTI is inadequate due to issues in study methodology, inconsistent follow-up periods and the various outcome measures used in the included studies. Furthermore, in the general trauma population there is evidence suggesting that injury has a long-term impact on function state, mental health, HRQoL and return to a productive work life [ 26 , 32 , 54 ]. Patients with BTI present a further complexity in clinical practice because of the high level of underlying organ injury, associated pain and respiratory complications such as pneumonia [ 2 , 52 , 55 , 56 ].…”

“…Patients with BTI present a further complexity in clinical practice because of the high level of underlying organ injury, associated pain and respiratory complications such as pneumonia [ 2 , 52 , 55 , 56 ]. Although outcomes are described in the literature, these have not been previously attributed to specific BTI injury patterns [ 54 ].…”

The effects of analgesic treatment and chest physiotherapy on the complications of the patients with rib fractures resulting from blunt chest trauma

“…[1] Additionally, RF may hinder the respiration mechanism and cause secretion retention in the airways and thus cause serious complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia attributable to the pain they cause. [2] Unfortunately, there is not enough scientific information about chest physiotherapy (CP), which is performed to prevent such complications that may or may not cause hemopneumothorax. The effects of CP and analgesic treatment (AT) on the development of hemopneumothorax in patients with isolated rib fractures secondary to blunt thoracic trauma (TT) is researched in this prospective randomized study.…”