Missed Injuries in Fatal Blunt Thoraco-Abdominal Region

The study was conducted with the aim to highlight the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained by the victims of fatal blunt thoraco-abdominal trauma in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which were remained undiagnosed during the hospital stay of victim. This was due to various reasons such as overlooked during initial assessment and management of trauma, during diagnostic procedure etc. These undiagnosed fatal injuries become a source of professional negligence and other legal consequences. A meticulous autopsy helps to determine the actual or probable anatomical site of primary impact, so the fatal consequences of these undiagnosed injuries can be prevented. This was an autopsy based observation of blunt thoraco-abdominal injuries during October 2011 to September 2012. A male predominance (81%) was observed. Road traffic accidents were the major cause of fatality due to blunt thoraco-abdominal trauma (74.50%). External thoracic injuries were more common than internal thoracic injuries whereas, in abdominal region, internal injuries were more common than external injuries. Fracture of thoracic cage was the most common thoracic injury (65%).