Emergency thoracotomy is indicated following chest trauma in the following conditions except:-
Scapular and sternal fractures
Esophageal perforation
Penetrating injury with cardiac tamponade
Massive Hemothorax
Indications of Thoracotomy Initial tube thoracostomy drainage of > 1000 ml (penetrating injury) or >1500 ml (blunt injury) Ongoing tube thoracostomy drainage of >200 ml/hr for 3 consecutive hours in non-caogulopathic patients Caked hemothorax despite of placement of two chest tubes Tracheo-bronchial injury Selected descending torn aoa or great vessel injury Pericardial tamponade Cardiac herniation Massive air leak from chest tube with inadequate ventilation Open pneumothorax Esophageal perforation
Thorax And Mediastinum