Pathophysiology of rib fractures and lung contusion

Abstract

Rib fractures and lung contusions are common among traumatically injured patients and are a major source of morbidity and mortality. These injuries typically result from significant force to the chest wall most commonly blunt in nature, but penetrating mechanisms can also be implicated. The effective care of these patients necessitates an understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, which we will review in this chapter. We will start with a review of the relevant anatomy followed by a discussion focused on the pathophysiology of rib fractures and pulmonary contusions in addition to associated conditions involving the chest such as hemothoraces and pneumothoraces. We will conclude with a discussion of differences in pathophysiology among patients at the extremes of age.