Editing Thorax (section)

====Injury====
Injury to the chest (also referred to as chest trauma, thoracic injury, or thoracic trauma) results in up to {{sfrac|1|4}} of all deaths due to [[Physical trauma|trauma]] in the United States.<ref>Shahani, Rohit, MD. (2005). [http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2916.htm Penetrating Chest Trauma]. ''eMedicine''. Retrieved 2005-02-05.</ref>

The major [[pathophysiology|pathophysiologies]] encountered in blunt chest trauma involve derangements in the flow of air, blood, or both in combination. Sepsis due to leakage of alimentary tract contents, as in esophageal perforations, also must be considered. Blunt trauma commonly results in chest wall injuries (e.g., rib fractures). The pain associated with these injuries can make breathing difficult, and this may compromise ventilation. Direct lung injuries, such as pulmonary contusions (see the image below), are frequently associated with major chest trauma and may impair ventilation by a similar mechanism.