Blunt chest trauma can be caused by physical violence, accidents, or child abuse and can result in injuries to the rib cage, sternum, lungs, and heart. It can cause collapsed lungs, chest bleeding, and heart problems. In severe cases, it can lead to death, and an autopsy may be performed to determine the cause.
Blunt chest trauma is an injury sustained when a strong blow or significant impact was sustained directly to the chest area. In many cases, this type of trauma could occur from the force of a blunt object being dropped directly on the chest or from the individual being pressed against an object or surface. Most commonly, types of trauma involving blunt force are often seen in automobile accidents or some type of physical violence. Child abuse is another leading cause of blunt force trauma.
Blunt chest trauma can affect various structures within the chest wall and chest cavities. The trauma can directly involve the rib cage, sternum or lungs. Contusions, fractures, and internal bleeding are commonly observed in association with blunt trauma. A trauma doctor or trauma nurse typically treats such injuries.
Many cases of blunt chest trauma can cause one or both lungs to collapse. This can happen if a fractured rib punctures lung tissue. Compromised breathing and coughing up blood can be serious signs of a significant traumatic injury. When a lung has collapsed, the condition known as pneumothorax can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Gunshot wounds and stabbings account for a high percentage of blunt trauma to the chest. This type of injury can cause chest bleeding. Bleeding can be life-threatening, which is why the bleeding must be stopped as quickly as possible. In many cases, surgery will be done to repair the damage or possibly remove bullet fragments or other material lodged in the chest.
Many times after blunt chest trauma has occurred, heart problems can develop. This can occur especially if broken ribs have been involved. The heart muscle itself can become weak, damaged, or swollen. As a result, problems within the valve can also occur. An aortic dissection can result, which can lead to massive bleeding and death if not repaired with surgery. Aortic dissection occurs when there is a significant tear in the main artery of the heart known as the aorta.
In some suspected cases of blunt chest trauma resulting in death, an autopsy will typically be performed. This procedure can be conducted by a forensic pathologist. This is a specialist doctor who is trained to determine the cause of death under certain circumstances which are usually violent in nature. The forensic pathologist can also determine whether the death was an accident or if the patient took her own life. The forensic pathologist can also uncover evidence that points definitively to homicide.
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