Definition of Flail Chest
Think free-floating segment of ribs or sternum. This is common and small flails may be missed clinically.
- Beware underlying pulmonary contusions which are near inevitable, and may cause significant morbidity and mortality in any age group
- Considerable force is required to create a flail chest in young people – look carefully for other injuries, both intra and extra-thoracic
- The multiple rib fractures are a potential source of significant haemorrhage