Lung Injuries from Blunt Trauma

Three mechanisms cause damage to the lung parenchyma in a closed chest injury: 1. Rib fractures can result in lacerations or contusions of the lung components lying beneath them. 2. A compression of the thorax causes lung contusions or ruptures of the lung. 3. In closed injury, contusions can occur as a “contrecoup” lesion far from the point of impact.