[Thoracic injuries treated at the surgery clinic in Novi Sad from 1968-1977]

The authors analysed 516 injuries of the thorax. treated in a ten year period (1968-1977). These injuries were 2,2% of 23.300 injuries treated by this Clinic during this time period. The etiology shows that 63,9% of these cases were caused through traffic accidents. In 516 of this cases, there were 5% penetrating injuries. A big percent of polytrauma (42,6%), traumatic, haemorrhagic shock (21,5%) and the difficultes in mechanics of breathing or respiration function (61,2%), shows the difficulties and importance of the medical attitude in curing these injuries in peace time, and in war, or during massive injury. The authors have also stressed the necessity of education for professional medical staff, equipment for the staff and its organization during peace time. This also serves the goals for national defence.