FLAIL CHEST

A flail chest occurs when a segment of

the rib cage breaks under extreme
stress and becomes detached from
the rest of the chest wall.
This is usually defined as at least two
fractures per rib (producing a free
segment), in at least two ribs.

some definitions require three or

more ribs in two or more places
 Since the flail segment moves in an opposite
direction to rest of the chest wall

Paradoxical Breathing
Flail Chest Implications

Pulmonary
Contusion

Respiratory
Mediastinal Flutter Failure
Pain

Pneumothorax,
Hemothorax
 Clinical examination for bruises, Adequate ventilation
paradoxical movement of flail
segment, palpation crepitation Oxygen adequate
Fluid Resusitation
Chest X Ray
Multiple costae fracture
Analgesic
Definitive : Surgical repair