Surgical rib fixation vs. conservative treatment of polytrauma patients with flail chest

Study Type:Randomized Trial

OE Level Evidence:2

Journal Level of Evidence:N/A

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Surgical Rib Fixation in Polytrauma Patients With Flail Chest

J Surg Res. 2019 Oct;242:223-230.

Contributing Authors: T Liu P Liu J Chen J Xie F Yang Y Liao

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Synopsis

53 polytraumatic patients were randomized to receive surgical rib fixation or conservative treatment for the treatment of flail chest. Outcomes of interest included length of stay outcomes, the incidence of adverse events, mechanical ventilation, and pain at rest, during coughing and during deep breathing. Study results revealed surgical treatment of flail chest to result in less time on mechanica...