title: Operative stabilization of a flail chest six years after injury.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA. slaterm@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Slater
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Mayberry
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Trunkey
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D001864:Bone Wires; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005409:Flail Chest / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*