Pulmonary function testing after operative stabilisation of the chest wall for flail chest

Abstract

Antero-lateral flail chest injuries accompanied by respiratory insufficiency can be effectively stabilised using reconstruction plates. Early restoration of the chest wall integrity and respiratory pump function may be cost effective through the prevention of prolonged mechanical ventilation and restriction-related working incapacity.

Prognostic factors in flail-chest patients☆

“…It is argued in some recent publications [5,16,18,19] that operative fixation lowers the morbidity and mortality rates; however, this argument is not widely agreed upon. Thoracic cage stabilisation has been proposed by some authors as a method of choice to decrease mechanical ventilator dependence and respiratory complications [16].…”

Potential Benefits of Rib Fracture Fixation in Patients with Flail Chest and Multiple Non-flail Rib Fractures

“…The optimal number of days after injury at which to perform repair whether early or delayed, remains controversial. Several recent reports recommend early intervention in selected patients [19,29]. Third, our study did not take into account the increased cost for surgical patients.…”

Traumatic Ribs Fracture: How to Treat Them?

“…Lardinois et al showed that the surgical fixation can reduce morbidity and mortality rates after chest trauma. 10 Other authors, like Athanassiadi et al believe that the surgical fixation does not improve lung function, because the respiratory insufficiency in mainly related to the lung contusions. They recommend surgical fixation in case of chest wall deformities to improve cosmetic results and in case where thoracotomy is mandatory because of threatened visceral lesions.…”

“…This decreases the chance of atelectasis and respiratory failure. 8 Although thoracic epidural is commonly considered the gold standard for pain control, its correct placement is not always successful. In our small series we had two patients with failed epidural.…”