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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2015; 04(01): 035-039
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1554987
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pediatric Blunt Thoracic Trauma

Hanna Alemayehu
1   Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
,
Pablo Aguayo
1   Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 November 2014

27 November 2014

Publication Date:
13 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Thoracic injury in children deserves special attention because, although it accounts for less than 10% of traumatic injuries in children, there is a significant associated morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the anatomic and physiologic factors resulting in such injury severity with blunt thoracic trauma in children. Specific organ injuries, including most common chest wall injuries, hemo- and pneumothoraces, and pulmonary parenchymal injuries, are discussed, encompassing epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management. Rare injuries including tracheobronchial tree injuries, cardiovascular injuries, esophageal injuries, and diaphragmatic injuries are also briefly discussed.

Keywords

thoracic trauma - chest trauma - pulmonary injury - children
 

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