The American surgeon
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Forty-eight patients over 60 years of age who had sustained blunt chest trauma were evaluated by injury, treatment, survival, and return to preinjury function. The patients ranged in age from 60-92 years (mean 72). The cause of injury was a fall in 25 (52.1%) and motor vehicle accident in 20 (41.7%). ⋯ Most elderly patients who sustain blunt chest trauma will be able to return to an independent life. Nonventilatory therapy, where indicated, is preferred to reduce severe pulmonary complications. Antecedent nutritional depletion may indicate the need for ventilatory therapy in the elderly chest trauma patient.