ABSTRACT

Severe breathing problems arise in multiple rib fractures. As a result, many advantages of the surgical stabilization of the chest wall have been reported. Especially, shortening mechanical ventilation, along with a decrease in the duration of intensive care unit stay, is important for the prevention of possible infection complications. In this study, the dramatic improvement of the breathing pattern, as well as the reduction in ventilator duration after rib fixation time, of a 36-year-old patient with severe respiratory distress who had multiple rib fractures due to a road traffic accident was discussed. Due to this fact, it is concluded that patients could be discharged from the hospital earlier and uncomplicated as a result of fixation of the rib with the right indications.

Keywords: Intensive care, rib fracture, rib fixation