Open fixation of flail chest after blunt trauma.

Progressive left chest volume loss developed in a patient with severe flail chest despite reasonable oxygenation without intubation. Because of this chest volume loss, pain, and shortness of breath, she underwent open chest wall repair using multiple metallic struts. Rapid recovery ensued, despite a perforated duodenal ulcer on postoperative day 1. Benefits of open fixation of severe flail chest are clearly demonstrated and should be considered instead of prolonged ventilation or supportive care alone for select patients.