Age Distribution and Concomitant Injuries in Pulmonary Contusion: An Analysis Based on Routine Data

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Geriatric Medicine
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Low-energy thoracic injuries are rising due to an aging population.
• Pulmonary contusions (PCs) and concomitant injuries are of increasing clinical relevance.
• Understanding the epidemiology of thoracic trauma is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and age distribution of thoracic trauma.
• To specifically analyze pulmonary contusions (PCs) and their associated diagnoses.
• To inform management strategies for thoracic injuries in an aging demographic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 209,820 German patients (2009-2015).
• Inclusion criteria: main or secondary diagnosis of thoracic trauma (ICD-10 S27).
• Specific analysis of patients with pulmonary contusions (S27.31).

Main Results:

• Pulmonary contusions (PCs) were diagnosed in 12.4% as a main diagnosis and 39.1% as a secondary diagnosis.
• PCs peak in age groups 20-25, 45-50, and 70-75, with increasing incidence in older individuals.
• Common concomitant injuries include rib fractures (27.1%) and pneumothorax (11.9%); CT scans and chest drainage are primary management tools.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary contusions (PCs) incidence is rising, particularly in elderly patients and as a co-occurring diagnosis.
• Early diagnosis of PCs and associated injuries is vital to prevent complications.
• Management predominantly involves intensive care and chest drainage, with rare operative interventions.