Crushed Chest Injury: Some Physiological Disturbances and Their Correction

Abstract

The pulmonary pathology following crushed chest injuries is discussed with emphasis on the consequent derangements of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. A classification is suggested based principally on the degree of abnormality of blood-gas levels, and not on the extent of thoracic bony injuries. A series of 33 cases treated in the Respiratory Emergency Unit of Glasgow Royal Infirmary is presented and briefly discussed. A plea is made for frequent blood-gas analysis in the assessment of treatment of these cases. © 1965, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.