[Open and closed chest trauma (author's transl)].

The observations made in 1,023 cases of chest trauma during 1947-1976 inclusive are analysed. According to the extent of the injuries they were classified as mild (group 1), moderate (group 2) and severe (group 3). The clinical picture was dominated by other than chest injuries in 45% of patients in group 1, in 66% in group 2 and in 51% in group 3. Injuries to the intrathoracic organs were seen in only 34 patients. Total mortality of all chest injuries was 12%; in group 3 it was 62%. Severe respiratory insufficiency was the direct cause of death in 25% of persons in group 3.