[Epidemiology of thoracic injuries (author's transl)]

The following details on thoracic traumata can be given as a survey: Occurrence: 6 to 10% of all injuries treated in hospitals (male: female - 3:1); about 8% open injuries (in Harlem N.Y: 86%); 80% occur as a polytrauma, 90% are combined with fractures. Mortality: 6 to 15% of all thoracic traumata and 20 to 30% of severe ones.

60 to 70% traffic accidents, 15 to 20% during work, 15 to 20% at home, 2% sports accidents. Consecutive injuries of thoracic traumata are: Haemato - and/or Pneumothorax 35%, Lung contusion 20%, Heart concussion/contusion 15%, Rupture of diaphragm 4%, Aortic disruption 2%, Bronchus rupture 1%.