Operative stabilization of a flail chest six years after injury

Matthew S. Slater, John C. Mayberry, Donald D. Trunkey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report a case of operative stabilization of an incompetent upper chest wall 6 years following flail chest. The indications for stabilization were chronic pain and dyspnea associated with rib malunion and loss of hemithorax volume. At operation, multiple pseudoarthroses were encountered and partial resection of ribs three and four was required. Malleable plates were used to bridge the gaps created by the resection and were secured in place with sternal wire. The patient reported a dramatic relief of symptoms and, at 18 months postoperatively, continues to work full-time on his cattle ranch essentially pain-free.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)600-601
Number of pages2
JournalAnnals of Thoracic Surgery
Volume72
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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