Flail Chest

Flail chest occurs when multiple adjacent ribs are broken in at least two places, causing a segment of the chest wall to move independently from the rest during breathing. This creates an abnormal movement known as "paradoxical chest motion," where that section may sink inward when inhaling and bulge outward when exhaling. It often results from severe chest trauma and can impair breathing, leading to inadequate oxygen intake. Flail chest requires prompt medical attention, often involving pain management, respiratory support, and sometimes surgeries to stabilize the chest wall and ensure proper breathing.