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Flail Chest

Chest wall instability from multiple adjacent rib fractures with paradoxical movement.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Flail Chest?

Flail chest is defined by fractures of three or more contiguous ribs at two or more sites, creating a chest-wall segment that moves inward during inspiration and outward during expiration.

The injury is typically caused by high-energy blunt trauma and is almost always associated with significant pulmonary contusion, which is the main determinant of respiratory compromise.

Management requires aggressive pain control, pulmonary care and selective surgical rib stabilization in patients with severe respiratory failure or persistent deformity.

Symptoms

Severe localized chest pain after trauma
Visible paradoxical chest wall motion
Shortness of breath
Tachypnea and hypoxia
Bruising over the chest
Crepitus on palpation
Difficulty coughing and clearing secretions

Risk Factors

High-energy motor vehicle collision
Falls from height
Crush injury
Older age with osteoporosis
Anticoagulant therapy
Severe COPD limiting reserve
Multiple rib fractures in initial imaging

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Significant blunt chest trauma
  • Increasing dyspnea after injury
  • Inability to take a deep breath
  • Paradoxical chest movement
  • Cyanosis or hypoxia
  • Hemodynamic instability
  • Suspected great vessel or cardiac injury

Treatment Methods

01
Trauma resuscitation following ATLS principles
02
Aggressive multimodal analgesia including regional blocks
03
Pulmonary toilet, incentive spirometry and noninvasive ventilation
04
Mechanical ventilation when respiratory failure develops
05
Surgical rib fixation for severe or refractory cases
06
Treatment of associated pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax
07
Early rehabilitation and follow-up imaging

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.