Radiologic assessment of the optimal point for tube thoracostomy using the sternum as a landmark: a computed tomography-based analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study aimed at developing a novel tube thoracostomy technique using the sternum, a fixed anatomical structure, as an indicator to reduce the possibility of incorrect chest tube positioning and complications in patients with chest trauma.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the data of 184 patients with chest trauma who were aged ≥18 years, visited a single regional trauma center in Korea between April and June 2022, and underwent chest computed tomography (CT) with their arms down. The conventional gold standard, 5th intercostal space (ICS) method, was compared to the lower 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 of the sternum method by analyzing CT images.

Results

When virtual tube thoracostomy routes were drawn at the mid-axillary line at the 5th ICS level, 150 patien

SUBMITTER: Jang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11309195 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature