Life-Threatening Chest Injuries in Children

Unlike in adult trauma, life-threatening thoracic injuries infrequently occur in pediatric trauma but remain an important source of morbidity and mortality. Thoracic injuries are the second leading cause of death in pediatric trauma after head injury. Prevalence and patterns of thoracic injuries in children differ from those in adult's care of the child with chest injury requires attention to these differences. This article will discuss the spectrum, diagnosis, and management of thoracic injuries seen in pediatric trauma.