TREATMENT OF BLUNT TRAUMA TO THE THORAX

Abstract In the past forty years there has been a progressive improvement in the morbidity and mortality of patients treated for blunt trauma to the thorax. Since the treatment of this condition is generally nonoperative, it is apparent that these improvements have resulted from the application of the adjuvant methods of therapy: control of blood volume, application of respirators and the use of antibiotics. Progress in the treatment of blunt thoracic trauma has been impaired by the existence of a number of empiricisms which do not have a basis in physiologic fact. The best clinical results will arise from a program of treatment which is designed to restore function and relieve pain and which is based on sound physiologic principles.