Effect of Rib Fixation versus Conservative Management on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Flail Chest

• Amhammed Alhajaji

  Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Jumaa Almargani

  Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

Flail chest is a critical consequence of blunt thoracic trauma, defined by multiple rib fractures leading to a segment of the chest wall that moves independently and paradoxically during respiration. This mechanical instability significantly compromises pulmonary function and is frequently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to assess the impact of surgical rib fixation compared with non-operative management on key clinical outcomes in patients with flail chest. A retrospective cohort study was performed, including seventy-two patients admitted to the intensive care unit between March 2019 and April 2023 with confirmed flail chest. Patients were allocated into two groups based on the treatment approach. Outcome measures included duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, incidence of pneumonia, and mortality rate. The analysis revealed that patients undergoing surgical stabilization experienced improved outcomes, including shorter ventilatory support duration and reduced ICU stay. Additionally, lower rates of pulmonary complications and a slight reduction in mortality were observed in the surgical group. These findings support the potential role of rib fixation in optimizing recovery among selected patients. However, further prospective investigations are necessary to establish definitive clinical recommendations.

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