Osteosynthesis of the Injured Chest Wall; Use of the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthese) Technique

Abstract

Open reduction and osteosynthesis with AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthese) technique, using 3.5 mm reconstruction plates and 3.5 mm cancellous screws, were performed in all cases of chest wall injury considered for surgical stabilization since 1990, viz. 11 with posttraumatic flail chest and one with painful nonunion of two ribs. In the ten survivors with flail chest, stability was achieved without secondary dislocation, giving good pain relief, improved respiratory mechanics and reduced duration of ventilatory support and intensive care requirements. Lasting pain relief was obtained also in the case of costal nonunion. No complications related to the osteosynthesis arose during follow-up for a mean of 11 months. Chest wall injuries in flail chest and painful nonunion of ribs can be easily and efficiently stabilized with the AO technique.

Comparison of surgical fixation and nonsurgical management of flail chest and pulmonary contusion

“…Previous literature has shown that stability after surgery could reach 87.5% to 100% [15][16][17], which coincides with our study. Our results showed 91.9% stability (22/24).…”

Surgical repair of rib fractures in 14 neonatal foals: case selection, surgical technique and results

“…Schambourg et al (2003) found that all life-threatening fractures involved 3 or more ribs. In man, stabilisation of only the 'pillar ribs' (4th to 8th) has been reported as sufficient for patients with flail chest (Reber et al 1993;Reber 1998). Our results suggest that this is also true in foals.…”

Transdiaphragmatic Intercostal Herniation following Blunt Trauma

“…There is no consensus recommendation regarding the use of prostheses for hernia repair, however the insertion of a nonabsorbable mesh if there is no contamination has been successfully reported in a few instances [6]. Rib fractures are typically not stabilized with reconstruction plates after blunt chest trauma, however this has been successfully performed in isolated cases to reduce blunt chest injury associated morbidity by improving respiratory mechanics and providing pain relief [14]. …”