BACKGROUND Despite the prevalence and recognized association of pulmonary contusion and flail chest (PC-FC) as a combined, complex injury pattern with interrelated pathophysiology, the mortality and morbidity of this entity have not improved during the last three decades. The purpose of this updated EAST practice management guideline was to present evidence-based recommendations for the treatme...

Displaced rib fractures as the result of blunt chest trauma impairs chest wall mechanics, causes severe pain, and results in prolonged mechanical ventilation. Rib fixation plates have been developed and manufactured for use in adult patients with improved outcomes over expectant management. The authors report the first case of rib fixation using titanium plates in a child after sustaining signi...