ABSTRACT
The most obvious abnormality that can be seen is the presence of multiple rib fractures and a right-sided haemothorax.
Key points
The presence of multiple rib fractures is concerning owing to the possible complication of flail chest. Flail chest occurs when a segment of the thoracic wall becomes unattached from the rest of the chest wall. This most typically occurs when ribs are fractured in two places, allowing that segment of the thoracic wall to ‘float’ independently of the rest of the chest wall. Clinically you may observe paradoxical chest movements with respiration.
