The 37-year-old man was admitted to People’s Hospital 115 with multiple trauma, acute breathing difficulties and signs of respiratory failure.
Emergency CT scans showed a large right-sided pneumothorax compressing the lung, fractures to the second, third and fourth ribs on the right side, and a severely displaced fracture of the mid-clavicle.
With the patient’s condition deteriorating, surgeons from the hospital’s Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Department carried out emergency chest drainage, allowing the lung to re-expand. His breathing improved significantly within hours.
After two days of stabilisation, the drainage tube was removed and he was transferred for further care. Following a multidisciplinary consultation, surgeons later fixed the fractured clavicle with plates and screws, restoring proper alignment.
The patient recovered well and was discharged four days later in stable condition, with improved mobility in his right arm.
Hospital staff provided close support throughout his treatment despite language barriers and the absence of family members, including clinical explanations, post-operative care and rehabilitation guidance.
