Blunt Traumatic Lung Injuries

Approximately one third of patients admitted to major trauma centers in the United States sustain serious injuries to the chest. The lungs, which occupy a large portion of the chest cavity and lie in close proximity to the bony thorax, are injured in the majority of these patients directly or indirectly. A significant number of lung injuries are also associated with trauma to other critical thoracic structures. This article discusses blunt trauma injuries of the lung, which include pulmonary contusions, hematomas, lacerations, and pulmonary vascular injuries.