Objectives:

To compile updated information on closed thoracic trauma through a bibliographic review of recent scientific literature.

Methods:

A qualitative bibliographic review was conducted through searches in Scielo and LILACS databases. Scientific articles from the last five years (2020-2025) in Spanish and English languages were included, focusing exclusively on closed thoracic trauma. Other types of trauma, theses, books, presentations and texts prior to 2020 were excluded.

Results:

Closed thoracic trauma represents approximately 60% of all thoracic trauma in adults, being more prevalent in young men. Associated mortality varies between 10% and 25%. Injury mechanisms include direct impacts and indirect forces from acceleration/deceleration. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination and imaging studies, with computed tomography being more sensitive than plain radiography. Management varies from conservative treatment to surgical intervention depending on severity.