[Fixation of Flail Chest with Bioabsorbable Plate]

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Multiple rib fractures and hemothorax are severe injuries often resulting from trauma.
• Damage control surgery is crucial for hemodynamic stabilization in severe trauma patients.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old male presented with multiple rib fractures and hemothorax post-traffic accident.
• Initial management included chest tube insertion and damage control surgery with thoracotomy.
• Bleeding sources identified as rib fractures and lung injury; partial lung resection and gauze packing were performed.

Findings:

• A second-look operation was performed the following day for rib fixation and hemostasis.
• Bioabsorbable plates were used for rib fixation, showing promise over traditional metal plates.
• The patient's hemodynamics stabilized, respiratory condition improved, and no signs of infection were observed post-operatively.

Implications:

• Bioabsorbable plates may offer a reduced risk of infection compared to metal plates in thoracic trauma surgery.
• This approach could be beneficial in cases where infection prevention is a critical concern.
• Further research into bioabsorbable fixation devices in trauma is warranted.