Evolution of Thoracic Trauma Care: From Early Techniques to Modern Innovations

Thoracic trauma remains a major challenge in surgical and interdisciplinary care. Historically, chest wall injuries such as rib and sternal fractures were treated conservatively, often leading to prolonged recovery and suboptimal outcomes. Advances in thoracic biomechanics, imaging, and surgical techniques have driven a shift toward more effective, evidence-based interventions.

This Research Topic explores the transformation of thoracic trauma management—tracing its journey from conservative beginnings to modern, interdisciplinary approaches. We aim to highlight how trauma and thoracic expertise together can improve patient outcomes, including pain control, respiratory function, and recovery times.

We welcome contributions on (but not limited to):
· Perspectives in thoracic trauma and chest wall injury care
· Advances in surgical management of rib, sternal, and scapular fractures
· Thoracic cage biomechanics and surgical implications
· Imaging and diagnostic innovations
· Fixation systems, implants, and minimally invasive techniques
· Perioperative care, pain management, and ERAS pathways
· Multidisciplinary collaboration and team-based models
· Outcomes research, registries, and quality improvement
· Future directions: robotics, virtual planning, and personalized care

We encourage original research, reviews, case reports, and clinical perspectives.

Dr. Stefan Schulz-Drost serves as President-Elect of CWIS; Chair of the AO TC Thoracic Surgery Expert Group; and instructor for the German trauma programs (ATLS and DSTC) run by AUC, as well as MAXIN (NAW Berlin). He previously served as a consultant for DePuy Synthes (last activity >5 years ago) and has received speaker honoraria from DePuy Synthes, Stryker, and KLS.

Keywords: Thoracic trauma, Chest wall injury, Surgical management, Rib fractures, Pain management, Interdisciplinary care, Outcomes research

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.