What Is Blunt Chest Trauma?
Blunt chest trauma is an injury incurred when a forceful blow or significant impact that has been sustained directly to the chest area. In many cases, blunt chest trauma might occur from the force of a blunt object being dropped directly onto the chest or by the individual being crushed against an object or surface. Most commonly, types of trauma involving blunt force are often seen in automobile accidents or some type of physical violence. Child abuse is another major cause of blunt force trauma. Blunt chest trauma can affect various structures within the chest wall and chest cavities. The trauma may directly involve the ribcage, the sternum or the lungs. Contusions, fractures and internal bleeding are commonly seen in association with blunt trauma. A trauma physician or trauma nurse typically treats such injuries.
