Blunt chest trauma

Blunt chest trauma is the leading cause of thoracic injuries in Germany, penetrating chest injuries are rare. Hereby, single or multiple rib fractures, hemato-pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion represent the most common injuries. The early managment of thoracic injuries consists of detection and sufficient therapy of acute life threatening situations like tension pneumothorax, acute respiratory insufficiency or severe intrathoracic bleeding. Most of the isolated thoracic injuries are adequately treated by conservative means, sufficient analgesia, drainage of intrapleural air or blood, physiotherapy and clearance of bronchial secretions provided; operative intervention is rarely indicated.