Traumatic rupture of the bronchus intermedius in closed chest trauma.

Traumatic rupture of the major intrathoracic airway following blunt thoracic trauma is a potentially lethal injury which can be repaired successfully if the diagnosis is made early. Early repair of the bronchus will ensure a good anatomic result and almost complete return of pulmonary function. This article describes the situation in a patient with complete transversal and partial longitudinal rupture of the bronchus intermedius after car accidents.