Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Pediatric thoracic trauma

S J Crankson1, J D Fischer, A A Al-Rabeeah

  • 1Department of Surgery, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. cranksons@yahoo.com

Saudi Medical Journal
|April 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thoracic injuries are most often caused by blunt trauma from motor vehicle accidents. Head injuries are the leading cause of mortality in these cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Trauma Surgery
  • Thoracic Trauma Management
  • Injury Epidemiology

Background:

  • Thoracic injuries represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and patterns of pediatric thoracic trauma is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the characteristics, causes, and outcomes of thoracic injuries in children up to 12 years of age.
  • To identify common injury patterns and associated injuries in pediatric thoracic trauma cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records of 91 children treated for thoracic injuries between January 1993 and December 1998.
  • Data collected included age, sex, injury mechanism, associated injuries, trauma scores, treatment, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Motor vehicle accidents accounted for the majority of blunt thoracic trauma (82%), with pedestrians being most affected (62%).
  • Pulmonary contusion (70%) and pneumothorax (32%) were the most frequent thoracic injuries. Head injuries were common associated injuries (45%) and the primary cause of death.
  • Most injuries were managed non-surgically or with tube thoracostomy (33 children); only 1 required thoracotomy.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric thoracic injuries are predominantly caused by blunt trauma, often related to motor vehicle accidents.
  • Pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax are the most common thoracic injuries, frequently associated with multisystem trauma, particularly head injuries.
  • Conservative management or tube thoracostomy is often sufficient, but head injury remains a critical factor in mortality.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest04:55

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest

Published on: May 26, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Flail Chest-I01:24

Flail Chest-I

Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...