[Value and methods of respiratory rehabilitation after chest trauma]

In developed countries, traffic accidents are the primary cause of multiple injuries, while falls and violence are notable contributors as well. Rehabilitation techniques are therefore used in semi-intensive and intensive care units during the pre- and postoperative period for the most appropriate treatment of such patients.

Rehabilitation techniques in patients with chest trauma who are unconscious and on mechanical ventilation are significantly different than in patients who are conscious and breathe spontaneously. The goals of rehabilitation in these patients are to prevent respiratory complications, skeletal and muscular changes, deep venous thrombosis, and to maintain skin integrity. Respiratory techniques are combined, depending on the general condition of the patient and type of trauma (unilateral or bilateral serial rib fracture, thoracic shutter, lung contusion, pleural effusion, bronchial trauma).

Opportune use of early rehabilitation prevents appearance of early (lung atelectasis, bronchopneumonia) and late complications (hematoma, empyema). Value of rehabilitation techniques in these patients is great, because most of them were in good health and fully capable of working prior to the injury.