[Rib fractures and flail chest in closed chest trauma--stabilizing operations and the results].

A contingent of patients presenting closed chest injuries, sustained over a 12-year period (1985-1996), are analyzed. Of the total of 6938 traumas, chest injuries amount to 3286 (47.06 per cent) of which 2842 (40.7 per cent)-closed. Of the latter 2248 (79.09 per cent) are located in the left thoracic half, 420 (14.77 per cent)-in the right thoracic half, and in 174 (6.12 per cent) it is a matter of bilateral involvement. At the point of heaviest impact, involving 5th to 9th rib segment, left side injury is recorded in 2034 cases (71.56 per cent), right side--408 (14.35 per cent), and bilateral--in 155 (5.45 per cent). There are 28 fractures of the sternum (0.85 per cent). Of the latter 14 are located in the manubrium sterni region, twelve--in the middle portion, and two in the distal part of the sternum. Over the last 5 years (1991 through 1995), of 63 casualties with flail chest 16 are with indications for stabilization osteosynthesis, and accordingly subjected to operation. A Schimelmann plate is used in 13 cases, artificial rib type "Ampar"--in three, and sternal stabilization--in one.