Chest trauma. Approach and management.

A synopsis of both blunt and penetrating thoracic trauma, this article outlines an approach to management for injuries to the lung, heart, esophagus, tracheobronchial tree, diaphragm, and major thoracic vessels. Also outlined are the management of rib fractures, scapula fractures, sternal fractures, and, in particular, flail chest with associated pulmonary contusion.