Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
1.6K
Massive Hemothorax Resulting from Blunt Vertebral Fracture
Kuo-Chang Lee1, Li-Chin Cheng2, Kuo-Tai Chen3
1Department of Emergency, Chi Mei Medical Center, Jiali Branch, Tainan, Taiwan.
Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Blunt vertebral fractures rarely cause massive hemothorax, predominantly in older adults. Bleeding from fractured vertebrae has a higher mortality rate than arterial bleeding, necessitating prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Massive hemothorax from blunt vertebral fractures is uncommon.
- Clinical data on these patients are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patients with massive hemothorax due to blunt vertebral fractures.
- To analyze treatment strategies and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of case reports/series using major databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Google Scholar).
- Descriptive statistical analysis of patient characteristics, fracture sites, bleeding sources, treatments, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Older adults are most affected; 96.2% present with right hemothorax.
- The thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2) is the most common fracture site (85.3%).
- Bleeding from fractured vertebrae (Group 1) had higher mortality (26.3%) than arterial bleeding (Group 2, 6.7%).
Conclusions:
- Thoracotomy is reliable for vertebral bleeding; transarterial embolization is effective for arterial bleeding.
- Spinal fixation is often required for survivors.
- Massive hemothorax can occur in older patients after minor trauma.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
1.4K
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
1.4K
01:26Pneumothorax-I
2.0K
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
2.0K
01:24Flail Chest-I
1.0K
Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
1.0K
01:26Flail Chest-II
879
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
879
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
520
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
520
01:19Veins of Thorax
2.6K
The azygos system is a crucial part of the body's circulatory system and drains most of the thorax. It comprises the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins.
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
2.6K