EVALUATION OF COMMON FRACTURES DETECTED ON CHEST RADIOGRAPH OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PATIENTS IN BENIN CITY
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Background: Chest X-ray (CXR) is the most widely requested imaging investigation for the immediate evaluation of patients involved in road traffic accidents (RTAs). A single posteroanterior (PA) chest radiograph can rapidly identify fractures of the rib cage as well as pulmonary and pleural pathologies such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusion, which are critical for early clinical decision-making. Objective: To identify common fractures and other pathologies on chest radiographs of road traffic accident patients in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected by reviewing chest radiographs and radiological reports of 184 patients involved in road traffic accidents between January 2022 and December 2024. The distribution of chest wall fractures, fracture patterns, and associated thoracic pathologies was analyzed. Results: Middle rib fractures (4th–8th ribs) were the most common, accounting for 73.5% of cases, followed by upper rib fractures (29.7%) and lower rib fractures (29.2%). Sternal fractures were identified in 10.8% of patients, clavicular fractures in 13.5%, and scapular fractures in
6.5%. Non-displaced fractures were the predominant fracture type, while displaced, comminuted, and segmental fractures were also observed. Associated thoracic pathologies included pneumothorax (22.7%), hemothorax (18.9%), and pulmonary contusion (15.1%), with their incidence increasing significantly in patients with multiple or complex fracture patterns. Conclusion: Rib fractures were the most frequently identified pathology on chest radiographs of RTA patients, followed in descending order by pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, clavicular fractures, sternal fractures, and scapular fractures. The distribution and complexity of xi fractures on chest X-ray were strong indicators of associated thoracic complications, reinforcing the value of conventional chest radiography in trauma evaluation at UBTH.
6.5%. Non-displaced fractures were the predominant fracture type, while displaced, comminuted, and segmental fractures were also observed. Associated thoracic pathologies included pneumothorax (22.7%), hemothorax (18.9%), and pulmonary contusion (15.1%), with their incidence increasing significantly in patients with multiple or complex fracture patterns. Conclusion: Rib fractures were the most frequently identified pathology on chest radiographs of RTA patients, followed in descending order by pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, clavicular fractures, sternal fractures, and scapular fractures. The distribution and complexity of xi fractures on chest X-ray were strong indicators of associated thoracic complications, reinforcing the value of conventional chest radiography in trauma evaluation at UBTH.
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