[Surgical stabilization of multiple rib fracture and flail chest]

The experience of 14 cases with surgical stabilization of multiple rib fracture and flail chest was reported. They were 11 men and 3 women of 31 to 87 years of age. Paradoxical chest movement was noted in 10 patients. Thirteen of 14 patients successfully weaned from the ventilator less than 7 days after surgery. Of 14, 4 cases were treated with internal fixation and the others were with acetabular reconstruction plates with or without rib stapler. No case of death was experienced. Ten patients who were performed fixation with acetabular reconstruction plate weaned from the ventilator earlier than cases treated by internal fixation, suggesting the superiority of the acetabular reconstruction plate. Improvement of rib stapler and the development of a titanium plate of specific use for rib is expected in the future.