Prevalence and characteristics of chest trauma from road traffic accidents at an emergency department in Caracas, Venezuela (january–july 2025)

Abstract

Introduction: Thoracic trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with road traffic accidents as the predominant etiology. Objective: To determine the prevalence and describe the characteristics of thoracic trauma resulting from traffic accidents in patients treated by the emergency service at Clínica Fénix Salud in Caracas, Venezuela, from January to July 2025. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was conducted. The population and sample consisted of 30 patients admitted with thoracic trauma secondary to traffic accidents. Data analysis included descriptive statistics.Results: The findings revealed a highly concentrated risk profile: 93.3% of the patients were male motorcyclists who collided with another motorized vehicle. Blunt chest trauma was the most frequent type of injury (76.7%), with the most common specific injuries being simple rib fractures (30.4%), hemothorax (26.1%), and pneumothorax (26.1%). Computed Axial Tomography (CAT/CT scan) was the most utilized diagnostic method (50.0%). Conclusion: The prevalence of thoracic trauma due to traffic accidents at this institution is characterized by the male motorcyclist subgroup. These findings support the need to implement prevention strategies and road safety policies targeted at this specific population