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Ann Thorac Surg 2001;72:600-601
© 2001 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Case report

Operative stabilization of a flail chest six years after injury

^a Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
^b Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA

Accepted for publication August 2, 2000.

Address reprint requests to Dr Slater, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery/L353, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97201
e-mail: slaterm{at}ohsu.edu

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.

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