Abstract
A 69-year-old female suffered a fall in her home, and was consequently admitted with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, left chest pneumoderma, left hemopneumothorax, left clavicle fracture, and left flail chest, including fractures of left 2nd to 10th ribs. Surgical fixations of the left ribs and clavicle were performed 8 days after admission because of the marked displacement of the 3rd rib segment into the thoracic cavity. Ventilator use was discontinued 1 day after the operation ; however, the subsequent respiratory function remained stable.
Because the surgical procedure using a rib fixation plate could be performed without the need for drills or screws, or thoracotomy, it is a technically safe method. Surgical fixation for flail chest with rib plates is thought to be a promising treatment, with early ventilator weaning.
