African journal of medicine and medical sciences
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A retrospective study was conducted at the cardiothoracic surgical unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan on all consecutive, blunt chest injury patients treated between May 1975 and April 1999. The period of study was divided into 2 periods: May 1975-April 1987, May 1987-April 1999. The aim was to determine the pattern of injury, the management and complications of the injury among the treated. ⋯ Overall mortality was 36.2% (154 patients) among 426 patients. We conclude that majority of blunt chest trauma can be managed by simple procedures with minimal complications. Severe soft tissue chest injuries can occur without bony chest wall fractures.