The evaluation of pulmonary function after rib fixation for multiple rib fractures and flail chest: a retrospective study and systematic review of the current evidence

ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that rib fixation for multiple rib fractures or flail chest results in adequate recovery of the pulmonary function within 3  months after surgery. In addition, based on the current literature, further gradual improvement to maximum pulmonary values appears to occur during the first 12 months after rib fixation.
Source: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research