Journal of Trauma and Injury

The Korean Society of Traumatology (대한외상학회)
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Delayed Diaphragmatic Injury with Massive Hemothorax Due to Lower Rib Fracture

하부늑골 골절에 의한 지연성 대량혈흉을 동반한 횡격막 손상

  • Kim, Woo-Shik (Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, National Medical Center) ;
  • Kim, Joong-Suck (Department of Trauma Surgery, National Medical Center)
  • 김우식 (국립중앙의료원 흉부외과) ;
  • 김중석 (국립중앙의료원 외상외과)
  • Received : 2015.02.14
  • Accepted : 2015.05.15
  • Published : 2015.06.30
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Abstract

Simple rib fracture is one of most common injury after blunt thoracic trauma found in approximately 7% to 40% of cases. Delayed traumatic diaphragmatic injury with massive hemothorax after rib fracture is rare but a potentially life-threatening condition. We present a rare case of a 79-year-old male with delayed diaphragmatic injury with massive hemothorax due to fracture of the lower ribs. Under thoracoscopy, hemothorax was evacuated, diaphragmatic rupture was identified and repaired, and the lower ribs were fixed with metal plate (s). Although simple lower rib fractures may be the only clinical finding, close observation and monitoring are required because of the possibility of diaphragmatic and/or intraabdominal organ injury.

Keywords

References

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