POTENTIALLY LETHAL INTRATHORACIC TRAUMA RESULTING FROM ANTELOPE HORN INJURY: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

We are reporting successful management of a patient who sustained anterior chest wall injury by an antelope horn and presented with respiratory distress in the casualty. He had an open wound exposing the heart and a swelling deformity over sternum. CT scan of thorax revealed presence of bilateral haemo-pneumothorax and sternal fracture. Bilateral tube thoracotomies were performed along with wound exploration and sternal fixation with primary closure of the defect. Patient required ventilatory support for next 72 hours and was subsequently discharged.