Penetrating thoracic stab wounds and the cardiac box: a single-center experience of in-hospital treatment and outcome in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Thoracic stab injuries (TSI) are rare but potentially life-threatening emergencies. In Germany, their incidence in emergency departments remains low. The cardiac box (CB) concept has been proposed to identify cardiac involvement in penetrating thoracic trauma, although its clinical relevance remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the in-hospital management of TSI and to assess the predictive value of the cardiac box for major intrathoracic injuries.

Methods

A retrospective and exploratory analysis was conducted of all patients with TSI resulting from assault or self-harm who were admitted to a certified Level 1 trauma centre between January 2020 and June 2024. Prehospital and in-hospital variables were descriptively analysed.

Results

Fifty-six male

SUBMITTER: Rabe SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12849326 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature