Which injuries are most characteristic of the tertiary phase of blast injuries?

Which injuries are most characteristic of the tertiary phase of blast injuries?

• A. Lacerations, eye injuries, extremity fractures
• B. Compression fractures of the spine, rib fractures, hyperextension injuries
• C. Tympanic membrane rupture, headache, blast lung injury
• D. Smoke or toxic fume inhalation, burns, crush injuries

Answer: (B)

In blast injuries, the injuries fall into phases based on how the blast wave affects the body. The tertiary phase comes from the body being hurled by the blast wind and striking surrounding objects, producing blunt trauma and crush injuries. Compression fractures of the spine occur when the body is forcefully compressed along the spine during impact; rib fractures arise from blunt chest trauma during collision; hyperextension injuries come from rapid acceleration and deceleration causing ligament and joint strain. This mix directly reflects the mechanics of being thrown and struck by objects, which is the hallmark of the tertiary phase. In contrast, injuries like tympanic membrane rupture and blast lung injury come from the initial pressure wave (primary phase); injuries such as lacerations or eye injuries can be from projectiles (secondary) or debris after the blast; burns and inhalation injuries are typically associated with quaternary effects. So the combination of spine compression, rib fractures, and hyperextension injuries best matches the tertiary phase.

In blast injuries, the injuries fall into phases based on how the blast wave affects the body. The tertiary phase comes from the body being hurled by the blast wind and striking surrounding objects, producing blunt trauma and crush injuries. Compression fractures of the spine occur when the body is forcefully compressed along the spine during impact; rib fractures arise from blunt chest trauma during collision; hyperextension injuries come from rapid acceleration and deceleration causing ligament and joint strain. This mix directly reflects the mechanics of being thrown and struck by objects, which is the hallmark of the tertiary phase.

In contrast, injuries like tympanic membrane rupture and blast lung injury come from the initial pressure wave (primary phase); injuries such as lacerations or eye injuries can be from projectiles (secondary) or debris after the blast; burns and inhalation injuries are typically associated with quaternary effects. So the combination of spine compression, rib fractures, and hyperextension injuries best matches the tertiary phase.