Osseous pinch mechanism in traumatic rupture of aorta and the left main bronchus

We report an unusual case of traumatic aortic rupture and lesion of the left main bronchus after blunt chest trauma in an 8-year-old otherwise healthy boy. The trauma mechanism was severe compression of the thoracic cavity underneath a heavy object without a deceleration component. The visceral lesions were disproportionally severe compared with the surface injury. This case shows the possibility of an osseous pinch after severe compression of the chest and the importance of meticulous examination and monitoring of the patient for complications afterwards.