Traumatic intercostal hernia due to a nonpenetrating injury in a child.

Herniation of the lung is a recognized, though rare, complication of thoracotomy and penetrating chest injury. Closed chest injury is usually associated with rib fractures, laceration of the lung, and rupture of the diaphragm, bronchus, and aorta. It is unusual for the intercostal muscles to be ruptured in a closed chest injury. In this case, herniation of the lung may result.