Article ID: 35.1_04
A 58-year-old man was injured by a package falling on his chest. After clinical examination, we diagnosed him with flail chest, which was mainly caused by sternal fractures, multiple rib fractures, and left hemopneumothorax. On the day after admission, we performed internal pneumatic stabilization because of the deteriorating respiratory condition ; however, the patient exhibited little improvement. We then surgically implanted a locking plate to stabilize the sternal fracture. On the first postoperative day, we weaned the patient off the ventilator and he was subsequently discharged.
Most sternal fractures are managed conservatively and surgery is rarely necessary. Our patient demonstrated good outcomes after plate fixation. In cases in which sternal fractures are associated with respiratory failure or severe dislocation, we recommend plate fixation to improve the respiratory condition, reduce pain, and stabilize the fracture. Our report will be useful for physicians and surgeons who routinely manage patients with chest trauma.
