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Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 5/2010

Open Access 01-10-2010 | Review Article

Historic overview of treatment techniques for rib fractures and flail chest

Authors: M. Bemelman, M. Poeze, T. J. Blokhuis, L. P. H. Leenen

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 5/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

From the beginning of the twentieth century till the current time, an overview is presented of the surgical treatment for rib fractures and flail chest.

Methods

Many techniques have been used to stabilize the thorax wall. There has been no follow-up for the most described techniques and the evidence provided is at its best at L3–4. This, together with the noninvasiveness of mechanical ventilation, has made the latter the golden standard.

Conclusion

However, the recent introduction of better and fully dedicated materials provides the possibility of exploring the surgical treatment of chest injuries. The authors make a case for operative treatment of rib fractures and flail chest.
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Metadata
Title
Historic overview of treatment techniques for rib fractures and flail chest
Authors
M. Bemelman
M. Poeze
T. J. Blokhuis
L. P. H. Leenen
Publication date
01-10-2010
Publisher
Urban and Vogel
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-010-0046-5

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