Chest injuries are one of the commonest injuries seen on imaging in the setting of polytrauma. Such injuries are associated with both high morbidity and mortality rates¹, accounting for approximately 25% of trauma related deaths, second only to head trauma². The extent and severity of thoracic injuries are often difficult to evaluate clinically. Imaging plays a central role in early, accurate diagnosis, allowing early intervention and appropriate management.

Ours is a large teaching hospital and was designated one of the UKs major trauma centres in April 2013 covering a large population. Between 2011 and 2014, there were 663 cases with chest injuries attending our institute.