Chest Wall Injury Treatment

The chest wall is a bony structure that protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs and blood vessels. While chest wall injuries may cause severe pain and breathing difficulty, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) provides comprehensive care to manage all types of these injuries.

Types of Chest Wall Injuries

Chest wall injuries vary and differ in severity; common types include:

• Rib fractures: The most common chest wall injuries, resulting from a fracture of one or more ribs.
• Chest contusions: Injuries to the soft tissues of the chest, such as the muscles and ligaments.
• Pneumothorax: Accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, which compresses the lungs and hinders breathing.
• Haemothorax: Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, often due to an injury to the lung or heart.
• Penetrating chest wound: Caused by penetration of the chest wall by a sharp object, such as a knife or a bullet.

Symptoms

The symptoms of chest wall injuries vary according to the type and severity; common symptoms include:

• Pain: May be severe or mild, and worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
• Difficulty breathing: Breathing may become rapid, shallow or painful.
• Cough: May be dry or blood-stained.
• Wheeze: A whistling sound during breathing.
• Bruising: Bruising may appear on the skin of the chest.
• Swelling: The chest may become enlarged or swollen.

Diagnosis

Doctors at SSMC use a range of tests to diagnose chest wall injuries, including:

• Clinical examination: The doctor examines the chest and listens to the lungs.
• X-ray: To image the chest bones and identify any fractures.
• Computed tomography (CT): To create cross-sectional images of the chest to assess internal injuries.
• Chest X-ray: Used to assess the presence of any fluid or air in the pleural cavity.

Treatment

Treatment of chest wall injuries depends on the type and severity; options include:

• Medications: Painkillers and antibiotics (in the event of infection) as required.
• Physiotherapy: Helps improve breathing and reduce pain.
• Surgery: May be necessary in some cases, such as repairing displaced rib fractures or draining fluid from the pleural cavity.

Prevention

Certain steps can be followed to prevent chest wall injuries, including:

• Wearing a seat belt: A seat belt helps protect the chest in the event of a road traffic collision.
• Safe exercise: Wear appropriate protective equipment and follow safety techniques when practising sports that involve risk.
• Avoiding falls: Take care when walking on wet or uneven surfaces.

Get in Touch

The thoracic surgery team at SSMC has extensive expertise and high competence in diagnosing and managing all types of chest wall injuries utilising the latest technologies and medical equipment.

Visit our website here for more information, or schedule your appointment here.