Pneumothorax

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Middle aged man involved in high impact trauma. Pain right side of chest.

Patient Data

Age: 45
Gender: Male
x-ray

Moderate sized right sided pneumothorax.

Multiple consecutive right sided rib fractures.

Case Discussion

Pneumothorax may occur for a number of causes, one of which is significant thoracic trauma in which case rib fractures are a common association.

Prompt identification and management is key - an x-ray is normally all that is required in the first instance.

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