[Efficacy of spiral computed tomography in diagnosis of thorax injuries due to combined trauma].

Spiral computed tomography of the thorax was used in 112 patients with mechanical trauma. High efficacy of this method in diagnosis of fracture of posterior and lateral costal parts (69.6%), pneumo- and hydrothorax (100%), traumatic infiltration and gas-filled cysts of the lung (100%), pulmonary hematoma (90%) was demonstrated. Localization of bone fragments in pleural cavity (100%) had special significance. It is demonstrated that the method has low efficacy in the diagnosis of injuries of anterior costal part and sternum (49.3 and 20%). Indications for this method were formulated. The results of the study recommend spiral computed tomography as a priority diagnostic method in combined trauma of the chest.