Flail Chest Paradoxical Breathing

Homepage: EMNote.org ■
🚩Membership: https://tinyurl.com/joinemnote
🚩ACLS Lecture: https://tinyurl.com/emnoteacls

Flail Chest

Fracture of three or more consecutive ribs at two or more locations.
Leads to a chest wall segment moving independently.
Caused by significant blunt trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents.
More common in older individuals with osteoporosis.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
Paradoxical breathing is the key feature.
Chest pain worsens with movement or breathing.
Shortness of breath and diminished breath sounds.
Signs of respiratory distress, such as cyanosis or hypoxemia.
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging studies.

Complications
Pulmonary contusions impair gas exchange and may lead to respiratory failure.
Pneumothorax can further compromise respiratory function.
Atelectasis increases the risk of lung collapse and reduced oxygenation.

Treatment
Pain control improves breathing effectiveness.
Supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be required.
Pulmonary care includes physiotherapy for lung expansion and secretion clearance.
Surgical rib stabilization may be needed for selected cases.
Early recognition and management optimize outcomes.