Abstract
A patient with stab wounds to the chest may have negative physical findings, and normal radiologic examinations, and still develop delayed pneumothorax or hemothorax. The frequency and time intervals of these complications have not been established. One hundred ten asymptomatic patients with chest stab wounds were prospectively studied. All patients had normal chest radiographs on initial evaluation. Ten patients (9%) developed a delayed pneumothorax or hemothorax. Careful radiologic examination using inspiratory and expiratory chest films revealed all positive findings by 6 hours postadmission. Asymptomatic patients with chest stah wounds can be safely managed without hospitalization.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 291-294 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1982 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine