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Potential complications include a pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, and pneumonia. [2] [1] Rib fractures usually occur from a direct blow to the chest such as during a motor vehicle collision or from a crush injury. [2] [1] Coughing or metastatic cancer may also result in a broken rib. [1] The middle ribs are most commonly fractured.
Traumatic pneumothorax may also be observed in those exposed to blasts, even when there is no apparent injury to the chest. [9] Traumatic pneumothoraces may be classified as "open" or "closed". In an open pneumothorax, there is a passage from the external environment into the pleural space through the chest wall.
A technique called pleurodesis can be used to intentionally create scar tissue within the pleural space, usually as a treatment for repeated episodes of a punctured lung, known as a pneumothorax, or for pleural effusions caused by cancer. While this procedure usually generates only limited scar tissue, in rare cases a fibrothorax can develop. [6]
Flail chest is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when a segment of the rib cage breaks due to trauma and becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.Two of the symptoms of flail chest are chest pain and shortness of breath.
Reexpansion, i.e. post large volume thoracocentesis, resolution of pneumothorax, post decortication, removal of endobronchial obstruction, effectively a form of negative pressure pulmonary oedema. Reperfusion injury, i.e., postpulmonary thromboendartectomy or lung transplantation
Monitoring for complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome is of critical importance. [55] Treatment aims to prevent respiratory failure and to ensure adequate blood oxygenation. [16] [23] Supplemental oxygen can be given and it may be warmed and humidified. [41]
Depending on etiology, a pneumothorax is classified as spontaneous, traumatic and iatrogenic. A spontaneous pneumothorax is further classified as primary and secondary, with the former occurring in individuals with no clinical lung disease and the latter occurring as a complication of preexisting lung disease. [15]
Chest tube clogging can lead to retained blood around the heart and lungs that can contribute to complications and increase mortality. [11] A common complication after thoracic surgery that arises within 30–50% of patients are air leaks. If a chest tube clogs when there is an air leak the patient will develop a pneumothorax.