Flail chest: pathophysiology and management

Abstract

Thoracic trauma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK, frequently found in drivers of motor vehicles following high-speed accidents. One of the more serious injuries is a flail chest, particularly when there are also underlying pulmonary contusions. For many years the optimal therapeutic regimen for the management of this condition has remained somewhat controversial. More recently, the role of epidural analgesia, the use of non-invasive techniques of ventilation and identification of those who may benefit from surgical stabilisation have been more clearly defined.