Videos

How to recognize a flail chest | VETgirl Veterinary CE Videos

This VETgirl video demonstrates the clinical symptom of flail chest. Flail chest is typically seen with severe thoracic trauma, and is seen when multiple ribs are broken in several places. This results in asynchronous or paradoxical movement of the chest cavity. These segments move in the opposite direction of the rest of the chest wall due to the pressure within the chest cavity. This contributes to significant pain associated with breathing. Also, underlying injury to the region is often seen (e.g., pulmonary contusions). Treatment includes oxygen therapy, immediate stabilization, possible thoracocentesis (to rule out pneumothorax), analgesia, and stabilization of the flail segments (often by surgery).

Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!