皇家华人

The rib fracture clinic at the 皇家华人 provides evaluation and care for patients who have suffered rib fractures or flail chest. The clinic is staffed by board certified thoracic surgeons specially trained in the evaluation and management of diseases of the chest.

The evaluation and treatment of rib fractures and flail chest has long been an interest of the division of thoracic surgery at the 皇家华人. Dr. George Haasler from our division published one of the early case reports describing open reduction and internal fixation of flail chest following blunt trauma in 1990 and the section of thoracic surgery providers has continued to perfect these techniques and currently teach surgeons in North America and Europe on how to manage patients with chest wall injury. During this time period, we have operated on over 100 patients with this condition and have developed a greater understanding of these injuries and developed significant experience in their management. We have also developed an appreciation of the significant long-term problems these injuries can cause including chronic pain, chronic shortness of breath, and permanent disability.

The rib fracture clinic is staffed by thoracic surgeons with the goal of providing expert opinion on the severity of injury and options for treatment. As the management of these conditions often requires a team effort by several different care experts, multiple specialists comprise the treatment team including:

• Thoracic Surgeons
• Anesthesia Pain Management Specialists
• Physical Therapists
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
• Diagnostic Radiologists
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The members of this team work cooperatively to create comprehensive treatment plans for patients. Cooperative care helps ensure that every patient has an optimal treatment plan and receives the most appropriate therapy.

To initiate a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at (414) 955-6904.