[Early surgical stabilization of the thorax]

Patients with non-penetrating chest trauma are encountered with increasing frequency. Car crash is the main cause of blunt chest trauma. Despite their nature these lesions may be life-threatening. The mortality rate of chest injuries varies from 20 to 50%. In the last 3 years 86 patients with blunt chest injuries were treated in our institution. 24 patients underwent surgical repair. We compared the outcome of surgical and conservative treatment. Early diagnosis and proper treatment reduce morbidity and mortality.