Flail Chest
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Clinically Relevant Anatomy
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Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process
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Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]
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Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]
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Management / Interventions
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Differential Diagnosis
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Resources
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References[edit | edit source]
Flail segment is a portion of the rib cage that breaks due to trauma and becomes unattached from the chest wall. (Pettiford, Luketich & Landreneau, 2007).
Chest physiotherapy management consists of the following (May, Hillermann & Patil, 2016):
1. Ventilatory Management - supplemental oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure or intubation if necessary 2. Pain Management and Education 3. Early mobilization if possible 4. Chest and airway clearance techniques (if inadequate) 4. Deep breathing exercises and supported coughing technique
References
May L, Hillermann C, Patil S. Rib fracture management. BJA Education. 2016;16(1):26-32.
Pettiford BL, Luketich JD, Landreneau RJ. The Management of Flail Chest. Thoracic Surgery Clinics. 2007;17(1):25-33.
