Epidemiology, Complications, and Management of Chest Trauma: A Cross-Sectional Study at Shar Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Background Thoracic trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, second only to head injuries in trauma-related deaths. Blunt injuries, particularly from road traffic accidents (RTAs), are more frequent than penetrating injuries, yet regional epidemiological data remain limited. Objective To evaluate the prevalence, etiology, complications, and management of chest trauma among patients admitted to Shar Teaching Hospital (STH), Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Methods This cross-sectional study included 152 consecutive chest trauma patients admitted between January and December 2024. Data on demographics, trauma type, etiology, complications, and management were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clinical evaluation included radiological and laboratory investigations, primary and secondary surveys, and emergency protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Results Males predominated (male-to-female ratio 4.6:1), with a mean age of 34.9 years (range 4–87); young adults (19–30 years) represented 30.9% of cases. RTAs were the most common cause (45%), followed by stab injuries (24%) and falls from height (23%). Blunt trauma accounted for 71.1%, commonly resulting in rib fractures, lung contusions, pneumothorax, and hemothorax. Penetrating trauma comprised 28.9%, most often complicated by hemothorax or hemopneumothorax. Management was conservative in 51.3%, chest tube insertion in 42.8%, and surgical intervention in 5.9% of cases. Conclusion Chest trauma at STH predominantly affects young adult males, with RTAs as the leading cause. Blunt trauma is more frequent, and most patients respond well to non-operative management or tube thoracostomy. Surgical intervention is reserved for severe cases. These findings emphasize the importance of rapid diagnosis, timely intervention, and preventive strategies to reduce trauma-related morbidity and mortality.