Versorgung von Patienten mit Messerstichverletzungen in einem deutschen Level-1-Traumazentrum

BACKGROUND: Stab wounds inflicted by a third party represent an increasingly relevant form of penetrating trauma in Germany, gaining attention both in the public sphere and in clinical emergency care. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study investigated the incidence, injury severity, anatomical distribution, and clinical outcomes of stab wound cases treated at a German level I trauma center over a 3-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients presenting with stab injuries to the inner city emergency department of LMU University Hospital between September 2021 and August 2024 were included. A structured analysis of demographic data, injury characteristics, therapeutic interventions and clinical outcomes was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 48 cases were identified (47 male, 1 female; mean age 36.6 years, median 27 years). The most frequently affected anatomical regions were the upper extremities (25%) and thorax (20.3%). Hospital admission was required in 41.7% of cases, 14.6% sustained major trauma (abbreviated injury scale, AIS ≥ 3) and 1 patient died. DISCUSSION: Stab wounds continue to pose a rare yet clinically significant challenge. The findings underline the necessity for structured interdisciplinary management and targeted emergency preparedness protocols in trauma systems.