ABC's of Trauma :economic of chest radiograph

The chest radiograph is an economical and sensitive screening examination for the major injuries in the patient who has sustained blunt chest trauma. Just as the physician uses the ABC's to stabilize the critical ill patient (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), the radiologic ABC's prompt the radiologist to consider all of the critical injuries that may be sustained with blunt trauma. THE most critical injury is considered first.

• Aortic Transection
• Bronchial fracture
• Cord injury (Thoracic spine)
• Diaphragmatic rupture
• Esophageal tear
• Flail chest
• Gas (subtle pneumothorax)
• Heart (Cardiac injury)
• Iatrogenic (Misplaced monitoring & support catheters)