Internal fixation with meomory alloy embracing fixator in treatment of traumatic flail chest

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of internal fixation with memory alloy embracing fixator in treatment of traumatic flail chest.Methods 17 cases of traumatic flail chest diagnosed by clinical and radiological examination were retrospectively analyzed.The therapeutic effect,complication,hospital stay and pain of the patients were observed.The advantages and disadvantages of the internal fixation with memory alloy embracing fixator were evaluated.Results In all patients after surgery,the chest wall malacia,mediastinal shift or swing disappeared.The thoracic integrity was good.The respiratory status improved obviously.The respiratory pain was relieved.There were no complications such as lung infection or atelectasis occurred.The fracture fixation was satisfied and there was no further displacement.All patients were cured with an average hopital stay of 10.31±3.14 days.There were no foreign body sensation,no loosening or translocation of the fixator and the bone healing was good during follow-up.Conclusion The internal fixation with memory alloy embracing fixator is a safe and feasible method in treatment of traumatic flail chest.It has good therapeutic effect,light post-operative pain,fewer post-operative complications and shorter hospital stay for patients.