BLUNT THORACIC TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

Thirty four children with blunt thoracic trauma mere treated at the un iversity hospital Trabzon. Eighteen of them were sustained in motor ve hicle accidents, 14 mere falls and two were a result of miscellaneous causes. Rib fracture developed in 16 patients and pulmonary contusion occurred in 18 patients. Pneumothorax existed in 19 patients, and hemo thorax mas noted in ten patients. Traumatic asphyxia occurred in seven patients. Associated head, abdominal and orthopedic injuries were pre sent in 21 patients. Chest drainage was performed In nineteen patients , while 15 patients received conservative treatment. Five patients req uired an emergency operation. Complications developed in five patients . Four patients were lost due to multiple system injuries. In this stu dy, the injury patterns, complications and mortality of blunt thoracic injuries were discussed.