[Original surgical technic for the treatment of flail chest (author's transl)]

Solid internal fixation of fractures of the ribs and thorax producing a flail chest is described using a new technic which permits early mobilisation of the patient, immediate spontaneous respiration, abolition of pain, early respiratory physiotherapy, and reduces the danger of respiratory complications due to artificial ventilation, and permenent sequelae due to a secondary deformity of the thoracic cage. Our experience of the method has permitted us to determine its indications and limits.