Management of a Flail Chest Caused by Multiple Costosternal Fractures: A Case Report

Abstract

Costochondral separation is a rare consequence of blunt thoracic trauma and can lead to life-threatening complications such as a flail chest. The diagnosis of costochondral separation remains challenging due to the obscurity of the condition on chest radiographs. Surgical rib fixation is a viable treatment option and research regarding its effectiveness and long-term benefits is promising but still evolving. Here, we discuss a case of flail chest caused by multiple costosternal fractures definitively managed with surgical rib fixation.