Thoracic hyperextension injury with complete "bony disruption" of the thoracic cage: Case report of a potentially life-threatening injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe chest wall injuries are potentially life-threatening injuries which require a standardized multidisciplinary management strategy for prevention of posttraumatic complications and adverse outcome.

Case presentation

We report the successful management of a 55-year old man who sustained a complete "bony disruption" of the thoracic cage secondary to an "all-terrain vehicle" roll-over accident. The injury pattern consisted of a bilateral "flail chest" with serial segmental rib fractures, bilateral hemo-pneumothoraces and pulmonary contusions, bilateral midshaft clavicle fractures, a displaced transverse sternum fracture with significant diastasis, and an unstable T9 hyperextension injury. After initial life-saving procedures, the chest wall injuries were sequent

SUBMITTER: Bailey J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3464676 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature