Flail Chest

Question 1

What is a flail chest?

Answer 1

It is where several adjacent ribs are broken in several places

Segment can detatch from main thoracic cage

Causes paradoxical movement of chest

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of flail chest

Answer 2

Cyanosis

Respiratory difficulty

Shock

Obvious deformity over ribs

Paradoxical chest movements

Severe pain at sight

Question 3

Management of flail chest

Answer 3

A and B (C-E?) with diagnostics

Allow patient to sit supported at a 30-45 degree angle rather than flat

Oxygen 100%

Rapid evacuation

TXA/ Analgesia

Remember potential for hypovolemia