<![CDATA[Penetrating thoracic trauma in children is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that may result in injuries to the lungs, diaphragm, major blood vessels, and other intrathoracic structures. This case report describes the management of penetrating thoracic trauma caused by impalement in a pediatric patient and the subsequent clinical outcome. A 13-year-old boy sustained a penetrating injury to the left hemithorax after falling from the second floor and being impaled by an orange tree trunk. The patient was brought to the hospital with the foreign object still embedded in the left hemithorax. Initial stabilization included trauma assessment and chest tube insertion to manage intrathoracic complications. After hemodynamic stabilization, an emergency thoracotomy was performed, followed by controlled removal of the penetrating object. Intrathoracic exploration revealed pulmonary and diaphragmatic injuries requiring lung resection and diaphragmatic repair. Postoperatively, the patient received intensive monitoring, supportive therapy, infection control, and multidisciplinary care. The patient demonstrated progressive clinical improvement without major postoperative complications and was discharged on the ninth postoperative day in good condition. This case highlights the importance of prompt initial stabilization, comprehensive assessment of the extent of injury, controlled removal of an impaled object, and multidisciplinary management in pediatric penetrating thoracic trauma.]]>
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