flail chest
Chest wall injury where multiple adjacent rib fractures create a free-floating segment that moves paradoxically with respiration.
Full Definition
Flail chest occurs when three or more consecutive ribs are fractured in two or more places, creating a free-floating chest wall segment that moves independently of normal respiratory mechanics. During inspiration, the flail segment moves inward while the rest of the chest expands, and during expiration, it moves outward. This paradoxical motion significantly impairs ventilation and is often associated with underlying pulmonary contusion. The condition typically results from severe blunt thoracic trauma and may require mechanical ventilation and surgical fixation in severe cases.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier; may be written as two words when used as a noun
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed flail chest with paradoxical movement of the right anterior wall." — Trauma assessment documentation
- "The patient's flail chest required mechanical ventilation and surgical rib fixation." — Thoracic surgery consultation