[Indications for the reconstruction of the unstable thorax due to serial rib fractures and respiratory insufficiency].

Because of the impending danger of bronchopneumonial infection caused by hospital germs we consider it of utmost importance in the care and treatment of patients with instable thorax to shorten the period of intubation and artificial respiration. By stabilizing 3 or 4 chozen ribs within the flailing chest wall, we found it possible to significantly reduce the period of intubation, intensive care and hospitalisation. The splinting of several ribs individually by introducing socalled "Rehbein plates" into the medullary cavity of those in question proved to be a trustworthy method in achieving this goal.