Introduction

Thoracic injury in children is less common than injury to other body areas, occurring in less than 10% of pediatric patients admitted to a trauma center[1][2][3]. Thoracic injury is usually associated with a higher mortality rate than other body system injuries[1][1][2][4], though not all studies support this association[3]. The survival for patients with thoracic injuries who require ECMO (67.6%) are comparable to those with other body system injuries, better than for those with intracranial injury (25%) and worse than for those with airway injuries (85.7%)[5].

Evaluation for thoracic and cardiovascular injuries, as with other body systems, must include an understanding of the changes that occur throughout childhood in anatomy, physiology, cognitive development, and the social circumstances of patients. The initial evaluation for thoracic injury in children follows ATLS principles, but the signs and symptoms of serious injury may be more subtle in children, particularly when very young.

This chapter discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis and immediate approach to children with thoracic injuries and the current management of specific injuries to the thorax.

see also "Thoracotomy for penetrating trauma"Cardiac Injury, Pulmonary Injury, Chest Wall Injury, Tracheobronchial Injury, Aortic and Great Vessel Injury, Esophageal Rupture and Diaphragmatic Rupture.

Content in these topics is referenced in SCORE Thoracic Trauma overviewCardiovascularTrauma: Tamponade, Contusion, Arch Disruption, Peripheral VascularInjuries overview