Clinical outcomes of surgical flail chest stabilization using the mini plating system

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Original Article

Author Details : Devender Singh, Shegu Gilbert, Arumugam Subramanian Thennavan, Rajasukumaran Kandasamy

Volume : 2, Issue : 1, Year : 2017

Article Page : 13-15

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Abstract

Objective: To study the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing surgical fixation of flail chest due to blunt chest trauma.
Methods: It was a retrospective study. Six patients with flail chest requiring extended ventilator support underwent surgical fixation using the mini plating system. Their post-operative outcomes like duration of ventilation, duration of ICU and hospital stay, post-operative pain score and physical well-being in follow up were evaluated.
Results: The stiffness of these plates matches that of the ribs. Low stiffness and ductility of these plates effectively prevents screw loosening and pull-out and provides stable and durable fixation of flail chest. All the six patients in the study were successfully weaned off the ventilator and were able to maintain adequate room air saturations, reduced pain score and had good one year follow-up.
Conclusions: Compared to conservative management surgical stabilization of flail chest is associated with reduced length of hospital and ICU stay, reduced exposure to mechanical ventilation and its complications. Mini plating system is an effective implant system for flail chest stabilization.

Keywords: Flail Chest; Fracture Fixation; Internal; Rib Fractures

How to cite : Singh D, Gilbert S, Thennavan A S, Kandasamy R, Clinical outcomes of surgical flail chest stabilization using the mini plating system. IP Indian J Immunol Respir Med 2017;2(1):13-15

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