The
AAST Diaphragm Injury Scale is indicated in patients with suspected traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI), particularly following penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma (e.g., stab or gunshot wounds between nipples and costal margin) or high-energy blunt trauma with pelvic or thoracoabdominal involvement. It is most useful in hemodynamically stable patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy, CT imaging, or during exploratory laparotomy/thoracotomy. The scale stratifies
injury severity to inform repair strategy and helps predict risk of herniation or missed injury complications.