Surgical Correction of Pseudo-flail Chest Using Interfragmentary Wiring, Latissimus Dorsi Flap, and External Splinting in a Dog

Abstract

A 7-year-old intact female Maltese dog presented with a history of bite wounds. Physical examination revealed labored breathing, four puncture wounds with subcutaneous emphysema of the thorax, and paradoxical respiratory movement of the right thoracic wall. On radiography, a segmental fracture of the right 7th rib and a single fracture of the 8th rib were evident on the dorsal thorax. An inward displacement of the fractured segment and contusion of the right caudal lung lobe were identified with computed tomography. A diagnosis of pseudo-flail chest was made. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed a full-thickness muscular defect, a marked discoloration of the right caudal lung lobe, a segmental fracture of the right 7th rib, and a single fracture of the right 8th rib. Necrotic tissues were removed using surgical debridement. The fractured 7th and 8th ribs were corrected using a single interfragmentary wiring technique. The thoracic wall was reconstructed using the latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Additional thoracic stabilization using a thermoplastic splint was applied to correct paradoxical respiratory movement. The external splint was removed 4 weeks postoperatively. There was no evidence of respiratory abnormalities 18 months postoperatively.