The bone & joint journal
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The bone & joint journal · Aug 2016
Review Meta AnalysisManagement of rib fractures in traumatic flail chest: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Flail chest from a blunt injury to the thorax is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its management globally is predominantly non-operative; however, there are an increasing number of centres which undertake surgical stabilisation. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of this approach with that of non-operative management. ⋯ Surgical stabilisation for a traumatic flail chest is associated with significant clinical benefits in this meta-analysis of three relatively small RCTs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1119-25.