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Blunt Abdominal Trauma: Why Is It the Most Common Type of Trauma?
Blunt abdominal trauma, as the name suggests, refers to abdominal injuries caused by external impact. This type of trauma usually does not cause skin penetration. According to statistics, blunt trauma accounts for a very high proportion of all trauma, especially blunt abdominal trauma, whose incidence rate is even more alarming. Many may ask, why is blunt abdominal trauma so common? This is not just because of its association with numerous potential risks in daily life, but also because of its potential severity and consequences.
Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) accounts for 75% of all blunt trauma. Approximately 75% of BATs are caused by car accidents.
In a collision with a motorcycle, car or other vehicle, the body may be affected by rapid deceleration, forcing the driver or passenger's body to hit the seat belt, steering wheel or dashboard, and this impact can completely cause damage to internal organs. A bruise or even a rupture.
In addition, falls are one of the leading causes of blunt abdominal trauma, especially in the elderly. As we age, the strength of our bones and muscles decreases, so the effects of a fall are more pronounced and can lead to serious internal injuries.
Causes of blunt abdominal trauma
According to medical research, blunt abdominal trauma can generally be divided into two main mechanisms: compression and deceleration. Compression usually occurs from a direct impact or contact with a hard object, such as a seat belt or steering wheel. This can affect the hollow organ, causing internal pressure to increase and even lead to rupture. In contrast, deceleration can lead to pulling and shearing of movable contents in the abdomen, such as the intestines, which can lead to injury.
When blunt abdominal trauma is combined with "internal injury," the liver and spleen are most commonly affected, followed by the small intestine.
It is important to note that although these injuries may not show obvious symptoms in the early stages, patients still need to be closely observed to prevent potential injuries from being recognized in time.
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
In clinical practice, the assessment of blunt abdominal trauma follows the principle of first ensuring a clear airway, smooth breathing and normal circulation. Collection of data for this process also needs to happen quickly because trauma patients' conditions are constantly changing and may even worsen over time.
Due to the diversity of abdominal injuries, CT scans are often used to evaluate internal injuries, and this process needs to be performed while ensuring the patient is stable to avoid delaying treatment opportunities. If the patient fails to meet the low-risk criteria for discharge, continued hospitalization is required for observation and treatment.
Treatment options
For the treatment of blunt abdominal trauma, a corresponding plan usually needs to be formulated based on the extent of the injury. In some cases, especially when there is a perforation of the internal organs, exploratory surgery may be necessary to clean out potential sources of infection, keep the abdominal cavity clean, and administer necessary antibiotics.
Management of abdominal trauma requires an interprofessional medical team.
This treatment involves not only surgeons, but also professionals in the field of emergency medicine, such as anesthesiologists and emergency medical personnel, to ensure the patient's safety and health throughout the entire treatment process.
Statistics and Trends
According to the World Health Organization, blunt trauma is an important cause of disability and death in people under the age of 35 globally. As a result, there is growing concern about blunt abdominal trauma, and multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
With the advancement of medical technology, the understanding and treatment methods of blunt trauma continue to grow, which plays an important role in improving patient prognosis and reducing mortality.
However, although many studies have shown the potential dangers and consequences of blunt abdominal trauma, this issue still deserves our consideration. Do we truly understand the risks and prevention of blunt abdominal trauma?
