[The role of clinical x-ray studies in posttraumatic coagulated hemothorax]

An examination of 89 patients with posttraumatic coagulated hemothorax has shown that the definite roentgen picture corresponds to the characteristic clinical picture of the disease. These clinico-roentgenological signs of coagulated hemothorax are the determining factors in selection of the rational method of treatment. The data obtained show the necessity of early thoracotomy in cases of coagulated posttraumatic hemothorax.