Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm can result from both blunt and penetrating injuries. Early diagnosis is often difficult and may be missed, as some patients are asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of complications, including herniation of abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity, which can lead to obstruction or strangulation if not promptly repaired. We conducted a review of all surgically proven cases of diaphragmatic injury treated over a 10-year period (1992–2002).
A total of 39 cases were analyzed, including both blunt and penetrating trauma. Initial chest X-ray was suggestive in 25 cases. Computed tomography (CT) was not available in the early years; however, in later years, CT was performed in 12 patients and showed no significant advantage over chest X-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed in 2 cases, successfully…
