Thoracic Trauma in Children

Isolated thoracic trauma is rare in children. Because of their small body size, the trauma often also affects other spaces, such as the abdomen and head, and these coexistences significantly increase the rate of mortality. However, in isolated thoracic traumas, the children can quickly recover if they can survive the initial period of trauma. Pediatric thoracic trauma cases can have a different clinical course compared to adults due to the unique anatomic and physiologic properties of children's thoracic cages. Their ribs are nonossified and are very elastic, and therefore, as their ribs can sustain significant deformation without breaking, some significant intrathoracic injuries can be overlooked. In this review, the most common thoracic injuries, including pulmonary contusion, hemopneumothorax, pulmonary laceration, rib fractures, flail chest, tracheobronchial injuries, traumatic asphyxia, and other less common mediastinal injuries are discussed in detail in regard of clinical presentation and management.