Citation

Cotter CP, Tyndal EC. Am. Fam. Physician 1986; 33(1): 197-203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, American Academy of Family Physicians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3510521

Abstract

The anatomic distribution of diaphragmatic injuries varies. Over 95 percent of patients have a serious associated injury. A high index of suspicion and a routine chest x-ray are keys to the diagnosis. Diaphragmatic injuries may be divided into acute, latent and obstructive phases. Acute-phase mortality ranges from 11 to 37 percent, while obstructive-phase mortality is 30 to 66 percent. Early surgical repair of a diaphragmatic injury is required, regardless of the phase in which the defect is discovered.

Language: en