[Aortic ruptures in traffic accident traumatology]

8 cases of rupture of the aorta seen in a series of 62 autopsies were studied in the context of a multidisciplinary enquiry into road accidents. In the light of these cases, the literature and experimental findings, different mechanisms are described, an essential step in the prevention of this lesion which is the main cause of death in 15 p. cent of cases.