OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF THE INJURED CHEST-WALL - USE OF THE AO (ARBEITSGEMEINSCHAFT FUR OSTEOSYNTHESE) TECHNIQUE

Open reduction and osteosynthesis with AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Ost eosynthese) technique, using 3.5 mm reconstruction plates and 3.5 mm c ancellous screws, were performed in all cases of chest wall injury con sidered for surgical stabilization since 1990, viz. 11 with posttrauma tic flail chest and one with painful nonunion of two ribs. In the ten survivors with flail chest, stability was achieved without secondary d islocation, giving good pain relief, improved respiratory mechanics an d reduced duration of ventilatory support and intensive care requireme nts. Lasting pain relief was obtained also in the case of costal nonun ion. No complications related to the osteosynthesis arose during follo w-up for a mean of 11 months. Chest wall injuries in flail chest and p ainful nonunion of ribs can be easily and efficiently stabilized with the AO technique.