[Osteosynthesis of the unstable thoracic wall].

Objective: Surgical stabilization of patients with flail chest, dislocated serial rib and sternal fractures, posttraumatic deformities of the thorax, symptomatic non-unions of the ribs and/or sternum, and weaning failure to biomechanically stabilize the thorax and avoid respirator-dependent complications.

Indications: Combination of clinically and radiologically observed parameters, such as pattern of thoracic injuries, grade of fracture dislocation, pathological changes to breathing biomechanics, and failure of nonsurgical treatment.

Contraindications: Acute hemodynamical instability and signs of systemic infection.

Surgical Technique: Detailed preoperative planning. Open, minimally invasive reduction and osteosynthesis using precontoured, low-profile locking plates and/or intramedullary splints. Careful reduction drilling/implantation of screws due to proximity of the pleura, lungs and pericardium.

Postoperative Management: Weaning from respirator as early as possible and early therapy of pneumothorax perioperatively. Removal of implants usually not necessary.

Results: In a retrospective study, 15 polytraumatized patients with flail chest benefitted from an early interdisciplinary surgical treatment strategy within 24-48 h. Early osteosynthesis after severe thoracic trauma significantly reduced ventilator dependency and lowered the risk of pneumonia compared to patients who underwent surgery at a later time point. Patients with severe thoracic injury and life-threatening polytrauma, who meet the indication criteria for open reduction and surgical stabilization of the thorax, are in need of a throughly planned and interdisciplinary synchronized priorization and strategy. Longer intensive care unit stay, overall prolonged duration of admission in hospital, and higher level of respirator-associated complication should be expected in patients with life-threatening severe thoracic trauma (Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) ≥ 3) compared to patients without thoracic trauma.