The combination of rib osteosynthesis and simultaneous operations at patients with flail chest

Methods We have observed 10 consecutive patients with flail chest at 1,5-year period. They were 7 male, 3 female. The age was 42-71 years. Four patients also had multiple injuries and underwent operations on other organs. The terms before thoracic operation were 24 – 72 hours. Number of fractured ribs was from 4 to 10. The fractures of right ribs were at 3 patients, of left ribs – at 2 patient, bilateral rib fractures had 5 patients. Hemopneumothorax was observed at 5 patients, lung laceration – at 2 patients, fracture of sternum – at 2 patient, fracture of clavicle – at 1 patient, rupture of left cupula of diaphragm – at 1 patient. All patients had different degree of respiratory insufficiency, 3 of them had ARDS.