• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.64-66
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• 1993

We experienced 2 cases of surgical immobilization with Judet`s strut for flail chest with multiple rib fractures. The patients were undertaken explorative thoracotomy for unevacuated hematoma and chest wall fixation for paradoxically moving segments of ribs after initial trials of internal fixation, i.e. mechanical ventilation with endotracheal intubation. Immediately after operation, the patient`s general condition and respiratory status were improved remarkably. Mechanical ventilation and endotracheal intubtion were removed on postoperative second day without any events.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.812-814
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• 1993

Six patients with flail chest were performed operative stabilization with Judet`s Struts.The indications of opertive stabilization were exploratory thoracotomy or laparotomy in 4 patients, and severe chest pain due to displaced ribs which deteriorated respiratory pattern and gas exchange in 2 patients. After operation, all patients became comfortable and complained less pain.Two patients restored spontaneous breathing without ventilator therapy and 2 patients were ventilated during 4 days and 5 days, respectively.There were no morbidity and mortality related to operative stabilization.