[Traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures in an accident surgery patient sample]

The problems of the direct and indirect diaphragm lesions are discussed based on the own collective of patients. The most common trauma pattern was the direct immediate rupture of the left half (Strug). All ruptures were combined with additional trauma including lesions to the abdomen, pelvis, thorax and cranium. Diagnosis could usually be made by conventional X-ray techniques. The high rate of lethality is explained by the extensive additional trauma that is seen with rupture of the diaphragm.