title: Successful operative rib fixation of traumatic flail chest in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta.
abstract: Increasing attention has been directed towards operative rib fixation of traumatic flail chest; reported benefits include more rapid weaning from the ventilator, decreased intensive care unit stays, decreased complications and improved functional results. The outcomes of this surgical intervention in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare condition characterized by low bone density and bone fragility, are unknown. This case demonstrates that, in the management of traumatic flail chest in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta, surgical fixation can be successful and should be considered early.
authors.affiliation: Division of Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA akulaylat@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Afif N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kulaylat
authors.affiliation: Division of Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Charles H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chesnut
authors.affiliation: Division of Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Ariel P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Division of Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Scott B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Armen
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D005260:Female; D005409:Flail Chest / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012272:Ribs / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Flail chest; Operative management; Osteogenesis imperfecta; Rib fixation; Rib fracture