Pediatric thoracic and abdominal trauma.

Thoracic and abdominal injuries in children are commonly the result of blunt trauma, making their diagnosis difficult. Unidentified injuries can cause significant morbidity and mortality and must be identified early. Understanding the anatomic and physiologic differences between children and adults is important to adequately manage children with these injuries. The following review provides salient points in the recognition and management of both thoracic and abdominal injuries in children from blunt trauma.