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Multiple impalement with survival
S N Vaslef1, J B Dragelin, M W Takla
1Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Multiple chain-link fence posts impaled a patient after a rollover crash, causing severe facial, thoracic, and abdominal injuries. Management guidelines for torso impalement injuries are discussed.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of traumatic injuries.
- Impalement injuries, though rare, present unique challenges in trauma management.
- Chain-link fence impalement is an uncommon mechanism of severe blunt and penetrating trauma.
Observation:
- A case of multiple impalement by chain-link fence posts following a rollover motor vehicle crash is presented.
- The patient sustained extensive injuries to the face, thorax, and abdomen.
- This highlights the potential for severe, multi-system trauma from seemingly mundane objects in high-energy incidents.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates the severe consequences of high-energy impalement injuries.
- A review of existing literature on torso impalement injuries is provided.
- Successful management requires a multidisciplinary approach and adherence to established trauma protocols.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual impalement mechanisms in trauma assessment.
- Guidelines for the management of torso impalement injuries are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Enhanced safety measures and public awareness regarding vehicle safety may help prevent such devastating injuries.