Nonpenetrating thoracic injuries

In patients with nonpenetrating thoracic trauma, the rib fractures and other chest wall lesions may distract the physician from dangerous internal injuries in the chest or abdomen which may not be noted unless looked for very carefully. Early vigorous correction of any ventilatory problem is essential, particularly if there is any evidence of impaired tissue perfusion. Shock is frequently due to extrathoracic injuries, particularly intraabdominal bleeding. The flail associated with multiple rib fractures may seem mild initially, but severe underlying pulponary contusion and/or associated extrathoracic injuries make early ventilatory assistance extremely important. Rupture of the thoracic aorta should be suspected in rapid deceleration injuries, but is often not considered unless there is widening of the superior mediastinum on hte chest x-ray. Aortography to confirm the aortic tear should be done if time permits, and early repair of the injury provides the best results.