The authors compare the causes and severity of non-penetrating chest injuries during two three-year periods: 1986-1989 and 1996-1999. Within the 10-year interval the incidence of blunt chest injuries increased by almost 124%, the mean age of the casualties reduce by five years and the most frequent cause were road accidents. Chest injuries are in more than half the casualties part of multiple injuries or polytraumatism. During the period 1996-1999 the authors recorded more serious intrathoracic injuries, incl. severing of the v. azygos in three patients. With regard to the danger associated with delay it is essential that these casualties should be taken from the site of the accident directly to a specialized department.

        Key words: chest - non-penetrating injuries