title: Cardiac impalement from a rib after blunt trauma.
abstract: Blunt chest trauma produces a variety of injuries. We present a case report of a hemodynamically stable patient after blunt chest trauma with radiographic images suggestive of the left fifth rib penetration to the heart. The diagnosis, surgical approach, and course of the patient are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA.
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Wrightson
authors.forename: C Adam
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Conn
authors.forename: Glen A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Franklin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000293:injuries; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*