Flail chest when inhaling

Introduction Severe closed chest injury leads to multiple rib fractures, which causes the local chest wall to lose rib support and soften, and abnormal breathing, that is, in the softened area, the chest wall is invaded when inhaling, and the external protrusion is called the sacral chest during exhalation. Most of these patients require chest wall forming surgery. At present, surgical methods such as steel wire, steel plate, No. 7 silk thread, folding suture or absorbable rib nail fixation are used. Their strength and humanity are similar to ribs. They are fixed and reliable, no need for secondary surgery. ideal.

Cause

Severe closed chest injury leads to multiple rib fractures, which causes the local chest wall to lose rib support and soften, and abnormal breathing, that is, in the softened area, the chest wall is invaded when inhaling, and exudation when exhaling.

an examination

Related inspection

Blood routine

Physical examination and imaging examination can be diagnosed.

Differential diagnosis

Congenital flail chest should be identified.

Physical examination and imaging examination can be diagnosed. Severe closed chest injury leads to multiple rib fractures, which causes the local chest wall to lose rib support and soften, and abnormal breathing, that is, in the softened area, the chest wall is invaded when inhaling, and the external protrusion is called the sacral chest during exhalation. Even the chest is often associated with pulmonary contusion, and is an important factor in the induction of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

However, if the area of the softened chest wall is relatively large, most of the ribs are accumulated on the side of 5 or more ribs, or even on both sides. At this time, most of the patients need manual or mechanical assisted breathing, and passive breathing occurs: softening area during inhalation. The chest wall is invaginated, and the softened area protrudes when exhaled. If there is no auxiliary breathing, most of the patients will soon fall into suffocation and die. This kind of trauma should be distinguished from the sputum chest, which is called "thoracic fragmentation".

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.