Post Mortem Study of Fatal Blunt Trauma to Chest

Blunt thoracic trauma is of major significance in absence of injury to the head and stands most common cause of death after head injury. Trauma to anterior chest wall considered to be lethal as these trauma can lead to internal injuries. The commonest cause of blunt chest trauma in modern world is motor vehicle accident which accounts for up to 80% of such injuries. This study was undertaken on 128 cases of death as a result of blunt chest injuries which were brought for autopsy at S.C.B Medical College, Cuttack with the objective to study the epidemiological parameters and to assess the extent of chest injuries incompatible with life. The study group comprises of 118 (92.19%) male victims and 10 (7.81%) female victims. Road traffic accidents accounting for the majority 113 (88.28%) cases of death due to blunt chest trauma. Out of the total 128 victims, sternum and ribs are found fractured in 24 (18.75%) and 117 (91.41%) cases respectively. Lungs are seen injured in 123 (96.09%) cases and right ventricle of heart is found to be the most common anatomical site of heart affected by blunt thoracic trauma.