Acta chirurgica Iugoslavica
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The mortality rate of chest injuries sustained in road accidents stands now at 15-20 per cent. The considerable force of the impact in road accident is, in 60-80 per cent of the cases responsible for chest injuries which involve other organs. Fractures of a single rib needs only analgetica or intercostal blockade. ⋯ Wire or plate osteosynthesis screw-less rib plates and steel splints are being used. Primary stabilisation of the thoracis wall is indicated in the cases: with paradoxical breathing, with respiratory insufficiency or in the cases there are other reasons for thoracotomy. In these circumstances surgical intervention ensure that prolonged artificial ventilation and its attendant risks and complications and the demands made on the nursing staff are reduced to a minimum.