Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 5: Pediatric Blunt Abdominal and Chest Trauma
of 30

Anatomy relevant to blunt trauma

Greater force over a smaller body  concentrated impact, potential for greater anatomic damage

 

Less calcified, more pliable skeleton  fewer broken bones compared to internal organ damage (i.e. lung contusion may occur without rib fractures)
 
Increased body surface area relative to body weight  higher risk of hypothermia and evaporative losses
Module 5: Pediatric Blunt Abdominal and Chest Trauma