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.
Publisher
University Of Nairobi College of Health Sciences