[Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. Clinical experience (author's transl)]

The increased number of automobile casualties increases the frequency of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. Because of associated serious lesions, diagnosis is easily overlooked. The authors report on 11 cases and give an appraisal of the literature. In 6 patients, diagnosis was made late. The authors discuss the physiopathology, symptoms, clinical data and means of diagnosis. Roentgenography is very important. Surgical cure is always recommended because of the danger of delayed strangulation of the hernia.