Unilateral flail chest with scapular winging treated with tension band wirings of ribs: A case report

Tension band wiring is becoming increasingly popular method for stabilizing a flail chest resulting from multiple rib fractures. The indications for fixation of flail chest injuries remain controversial mostly because of a lack of adequate studies [1]. Recent guidelines recommend surgical stabilization of a flail chest based on consistent evidence of its efficacy and lack of major safety concerns. But complications of this procedure can occur and are wide ranging [2]. We report an interesting case of a patient who underwent fixation with tension band wiring for multiple unilateral rib fractures that successfully healed with good functional outcome.