Abstract des Autors

Approximately 2-4% of all sports-related injuries are thoracic traumas, primarily contusions of the chest wall and rib fractures. Rib fractures are often accompanied by pleural lesions which may result in pneumo-, hemo- and tension pneumothorax. Symptoms of a possible serious injury such as respiratory distress, pneumoderma, and hemoptysis are easily diagnosed and warrant further diagnostic procedures. Sudden deceleration may cause potentially lethal injuries such as pulmonary lesions, tracheo-bronchial tears, and myocardial contusions. Any symptoms of the before-mentioned injuries demand immediate transfer of the patient to the nearest hospital. An isolated penetration or perforation of the chest requires a thoracotomy only if it causes circulatory decompensation, exessive bleeding, or to salvage a foreign body. Verf.-Referat