Thoracic Traumas -General Aspects

Abstract

Trauma is the leading cause of death in the first four decades of life and the fourth leading cause of death overall, trailing only cancer and coronary artery disease. Thoracic traumas are common following both, penetrating and blunt trauma and remain an issue for health services. It has been estimated that severe chest injuries are responsible for 20-25% of all trauma deaths. Moreover, mild trauma is also associated with significant morbidity, in fact, chest injuries are also common in multiple injured patients and are a major contributing factor in the development of subsequent organ failure. This chapter discusses general aspects of trauma, focusing on thoracic traumas from primary survey to the institution of definitive care.