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Review
. 2022 Nov;22(11):432-439.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjae.2022.08.002. Epub 2022 Oct 1.

Management of blunt thoracic trauma

R N Mistry  1 , J E Moore  2
Affiliations
Review

Management of blunt thoracic trauma

R N Mistry et al. BJA Educ. 2022 Nov.
No abstract available

Keywords: Blunt injuries; Cardiac contusion; Flail chest; Haemothorax; Nonpenetrating injury; Pneumothorax; Rib fractures; Thoracic injuries.

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Figures

Figure 1
Fig 1
Safe zone for intercostal drain insertion is formed anteriorly by the lateral margin of pectoralis major, posteriorly by the lateral border of latissimus dorsi, inferiorly by the fifth intercostal space and superiorly by the axilla.
Figure 2
Fig 2
Computerised tomography three-dimensional reconstruction of a complex flail chest injury. The white box demonstrates the region of flail in the right chest. Note that ribs 4–6 are fractured in two places. Rib fractures are also evident on the left side.
Figure 3
Fig 3
Chest radiograph showing sternal and bilateral rib fixation. Subcutaneous emphysema is also evident.
Figure 4
Fig 4
Subcostal image showing a four-chamber view of the heart obtained as part of an E-FAST examination. A large circumferential fluid collection can be seen around the heart, consistent with pericardial tamponade.
Figure 5
Fig 5
Sagittal CT contrast arteriogram demonstrating a traumatic aortic injury at the level of the aortic isthmus.
Figure 6
Fig 6
Upper abdominal radiograph demonstrating a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia with loops of bowel visible in the chest cavity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma . 10th Edn. American College of Surgeons; Chicago, IL: 2018. Advanced trauma life support ATLS: student course manual.