In this prospective cross-sectional study, all the hemodynamically stable blunt trauma patients with negative physical examination result referred to our trauma center during a 4-month period (March-June 2009) were included. Chest radiographies were performed and reviewed for abnormalities.
During the study period, 5091 blunt trauma patients referred to our center, out of which, 1008 were hemodynamically stable and had negative physical examination result. Only 1 (0.1 % ) patient had abnormal chest radiography that showed perihilar lymphadenopathy, unrelated to trauma.
Performing routine chest radiography in stable blunt trauma patients is of low clinical value. Thus, decision making for performing chest radiography in blunt trauma patients based on clinical findings would be efficacious and resource saving.