Rupture of the diaphragm due to blunt trauma.

From 1968 to 1980 we have treated 21 patients with a rupture of the diaphragm due to blunt trauma. The diagnosis was generally made in the acute phase. Right-sided rupture in this series accounted for 24% of cases. This figure differs significantly from the 10% incidence mentioned in the literature. In our opinion right-sided rupture, especially in patients with multiple injuries, is often overlooked.