Page 123 - Livre électronique des RFTP 2025

P68. STUDY OF FATAL CHEST TRAUMA IN THE REGION

OF SFAX-TUNISIA

J.KAMMOUN¹, A.BEN AYED², M.OUNI¹, Z.CHAARI², Z.HAMMAMI¹

¹ FORENSIC DEPARTMENT - HABIB BOURGUIBA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SFAX, TUNISIA
² THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY DEPARTMENT - HABIB BOURGUIBA UNIVERSITY
HOSPITAL SFAX, TUNISIA

Introduction : During autopsies of traumatic deaths, determining the mechanisms
and points of impact of injuries is crucial. In cases of road accidents, assaults, or
falls, thoracic injuries are often serious due to the vital anatomical structures in the
rib cage and mediastinum. This study aims to examine the types of thoracic trauma
observed in violent deaths, their characteristics, and the mechanisms involved.

Methods : A retrospective study was conducted in the forensic department of Sfax,
Tunisia, over 8 years (2016–2023). We focused on deaths with fatal thoracic trauma
among all cases of violent deaths subject to forensic examination.

Results : A total of 1,003 cases were analyzed. The majority of victims were male
(79.6%), with an average age of 49.7 years. In 76% of cases, thoracic trauma was
accompanied by other extra-thoracic injuries. Most victims died at the scene (83%).
Death was accidental in 89% of cases, suicidal in 6.3%, and criminal in 4.7%. The
leading causes of death were road accidents (88%), work accidents (3%), falls (4.5%),

stabbings (3%), and gunshot wounds (1.5%). The most common thoracic injuries
were rib fractures (89%), followed by pulmonary injuries (73%), hemothorax (65%),
pneumothorax (24%), cardiac injuries (15.6%), and large vessel injuries, notably
ruptured aorta (11.4%).

Conclusion : This study highlights the prevalence of violent deaths from chest
trauma, particularly in young, active individuals. It underscores the need for
improved and unified strategies for urgent trauma care, along with adequate
human and material resources in trauma management.

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