Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Semin Pediatr Surg. 2004 May;13(2):98-105.Links

The diagnosis and management of children with blunt injury of the chest.

Sartorelli KH, Vane DW.

From the Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.

Thoracic trauma remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in injured children, and is second only to brain injuries as a cause of death. The presence of a chest injury increases an injured child's mortality by 20-fold. Greater than 80% of chest injuries in children are secondary to blunt trauma. The compliant chest wall in children makes pulmonary contusions and rib fractures the most common chest injuries in children. Injuries to the great vessels, esophagus, and diaphragm are rare. Failure to promptly diagnose and treat these injuries results in increased morbidity and mortality.

PMID: 15362279 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]