The pattern of chest trauma (including the diaphragm) at the Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

The results of a prospective study of patients admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi with chest and diaphragmatic injuries is presented. Data on ninety (90) patients was collected over a period of 6 months. Eight (8) out of these patients died on arrival or within 48 hours of admission and two (2) patients died three weeks after admission to the Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Road traffic accidents accounted for 66(70%) of the victims, stab wounds 1t (20%) fall from a height 5 (6%) and 3 (4%) were from miscellaneous causes. The male to female ratio was 8.1. The age groups 30 - 40 years and 40 - 50 years added to 63%. The medical officers in the casualty department and the surgical registrars were instructed on the value of plain radiographs and what views to take for traumatic chest injuries. The author's help was sought when making a diagnosis of traumatic chest injury radiographically.