Abstract

In athletics, thoracic injuries occur mainly in contact sports. Thoracic injuries are classified as either external (bone, muscle) or internal (organ). External injuries usually result from direct trauma and include rib contusions, costochondral separations, sternoclavicular dislocations, sternal fractures, and rib fractures. Most external thoracic injuries are non-life treatening: however, the possibility always exists. Internal injuries are usually a result of external trauma and include pneumothorax, hemothorax, cardiac contusion, and traumatic asphyxia. Most internal thoracic injuries involve the heart and/or lungs, and require immediate medical attention. The athletic trainer must be aware of the mechanisms, characteristics, and management of various thoracic injuries in order to provide a correct and proper thoracic evaluation. Verf.-Referat