[The unstable thoracic wall: possibilities for treatment].

In the treatment of severe chest injuries with flail chest either positive-pressure mechanical ventilation (and tracheostomy) is necessary or the surgical stabilisation of the chest wall by osteosyntheses of the broken ribs. Fourteen patients (age 27-73) with severe chest injuries and paradoxical respiration were operated and the rib fractures stabilized by means of small reconstruction plates and cerclage wires. Three patients died due to other reasons. There were no serious complications. The results are reported. In severe chest injuries surgical treatment seems to be justified; it reduces the need of artificial respiration and can be recommended.