An unusual case of flail chest: surgical repair using Marlex mesh.
The case history is presented of a patient with neurofibromatosis with a chest wall defect present from birth. Abnormal rib development had resulted in a flail segment with painful paradoxical movement and unsightly costal cartilage protrusion. Chest wall reconstruction using Marlex mesh resulted in an excellent cosmetic and functional repair.
Heriot
A G
AG
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Wells
F C
FC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005409:Flail Chest / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017253:Neurofibromatoses / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012272:Ribs / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D013526:Surgical Mesh