Flail chest is diagnosed clinically by observing paradoxical chest wall movement and confirmed via chest x-ray showing fractures of three or more ribs in two or more locations. Treatment includes oxygen administration, pain management with opiates or nerve blocks, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation or operative fixation only for patients with respiratory insufficiency or complications from narcotics.

1. 1-What is the diagnosis ?
Flial chest
2-What is the definition of your diagnosis?
paradoxical movement of a segment of chest wall caused by
fractures of 3 or more ribs in two or more locations
3-How do You diagnose
This can be diagnosed clinical observation of paradoxical
moments of the chest. C x-ray is needed for confirmation.
(Arterial blood gas may be of value to decide on ventilation and
as baseline in long term management)
4-How do you treat the condition ?
 Current treatment include
I-O2 administration
ii-Pain management (Opiates,Intrapleural analgesia ,Intrecostal
blocks)
iii-Chest physiotherapy
*Mechanical ventilation is reserved for patients with persistent
respiratory insufficiency or failure after adequate pain
control or when complications related to excessive narcotic
use occur
*Operative fixation is currently in use again .It is preserved for
patients undergoing thoracotomy, Patients with gross
chest deformity and patient with severe
C-XRAY OFTHE PATIENT IS
GIVEN HERE