The relationship between thoracic organ injuries and associated rib fractures.

Thoracic trauma can involve serious injuries of both the rib cage and thoracic organs. The leading cause of thoracic trauma is motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Rib fractures are often associated with injuries to the underlying organs. This paper investigates the situations in which lung, liver, and spleen injuries occur with associated rib fractures. Side impacts were found to have corresponding organ injuries and rib fractures more often than frontal crashes. Contingency tests were performed and the results revealed that a significant difference exists between organ injuries with rib fractures as opposed to organ injuries without rib fracture. The rate of injury for the spleen and liver were found to correlate with the struck side of the vehicle.