الفهرس 
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Abstract
The strategy for treatment of flail chest remains controversial.
Debate between MV and surgical fixation persisted for years.
Methodology: Twenty patients were randomized into two groups,
group I: was managed by MV. Group II was treated by surgical
internal fixation. In group I, age ranged from 18-65 with mean 34.4 ±
13.38, while in group II age ranged from 21-69 with mean 44.2 ±
19.46. We used plates for fixation together with screws and stainless
steel wires with which we observed more stability than the mere use
of wires or absorbable sutures alone. Results: There was no
statistical significant difference as regards the age, sex, associated
injuries in both groups, the stability gained one month after the
trauma, but there was significant difference regarding the mean
duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and incidence of chest
infection in both groups. There was no statistical significant
difference between both groups regarding hospital stay, morbidity
and mortality although it is lower in the surgical group. Conclusion:
Surgical fixation is a successful treatment modality in patients with
traumatic flail chest as it avoids long term mechanical ventilation,
resulting chest infection and allows early discharge from ICU with
less mortality.
ABSTRACT
Key words: flail chest, mechanical ventilation, surgical internal
fixation.