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A common concern for patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) after chest trauma is that they are at risk for developing pneumonia. In this prospective, multicenter Canadian study, 1057 patients with minor thoracic injury were followed up 1 and 2 weeks after ED discharge to determine the incidence of delayed pneumonia. Minor thoracic injury was defined as significant trauma with chest abrasion, contusion, or suspected or confirmed rib fracture on radiographs.
During the 2-week follow-up period, 6 patients (0.6%) developed pneumonia. Rib fractures were clinically suspected in 400 patients (38%) and were confirmed on chest radiograph in 347 patients (33%). Concomitant pulmonary disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or as…