In a serious car accident, victims may suffer a ruptured diaphragm from blunt trauma to the abdomen. Diaphragmatic injury from blunt trauma is more common when car collisions occur at excessive speeds, causing catastrophic impact. Roughly 80 to 90 percent of diaphragm ruptures occur because of motor vehicle accidents.
What Is the Diaphragm?
The diaphragm is in the respiratory system and plays a major role in the breathing process. It is a dome-shaped muscle and tendon that separates the thorax (chest) from the abdomen. The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in the process of inhaling.
Diaphragmatic Injuries in Car Accidents
In a car accident, the strength and force of impact determines the kinds of injuries you and your passengers suffer. A ruptured diaphragm can typically happen because of serious injury to any of these areas of the body:
Diagnosing and Treating a Ruptured Diaphragm
For those with thoracic abdominal trauma, doctors can detect a ruptured diaphragm with an X-ray or a CT scan. However, diagnosing a diaphragmatic injury may prove difficult in some situations, especially because a victim may have other injuries in the chest area with similar symptoms.
Surgery to repair a ruptured diaphragm is necessary. Doctors will surgically repair the diaphragm by creating a seal between the chest and abdominal cavity. If this injury is not mended correctly, life-threatening complications can arise, including obstruction, strangulation, and other serious issues.
We Can Help You After Your Car Accident
If you have suffered a ruptured diaphragm in a car accident due to the careless act of another, a car accident lawyer from