Pediatric abdominal and thoracic trauma

Abstract

Pediatric trauma kills 875,000 children and injures an additional 10-30 million children each year, resulting in a tremendous life years lost and cost to society. The care of the pediatric trauma patient is unique given the myriad anatomic and physiologic differences between children and adults. However, the basic principles of trauma care are familiar with the goals of restoring and maintaining oxygen delivery, diagnosing and treating life-threatening injuries in a timely fashion and minimizing secondary injury. This process involves trauma team preparation, a primary survey, a secondary survey, and the use of adjunct procedures and resources. Special populations include those with solid organ injury, burns and victims of child abuse.