Citation

Abu-Rish K. Mary Slessor J. Med. 2004; 4(1): 72-75.

Affiliation

Emergency Department, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of 42 children admitted for treatment of chest injuries during a 5-years period (1990 - 1995) at King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan. Types of injury, age group, and sex incidence were recorded. Thirty children (71.5%) suffered blunt chest trauma. Twenty-seven (64%) were boys while fifteen (36%) were girls. Mean age was 10 years (1-14 years). The majority were involved in vehicular-pedestrian and road traffic accidents. Twelve (28.5%) were victims of penetrating injuries. Five cases required thoracotomy, four cases required lapatotomy and thoracotomy and nine patients (21%) died. Chest injuries in children are increasing and are a cause of significant mortality. Chest injuries are common in our country, specially in school age group. Public awareness is mandatory to reduce the incidence of these injuries