This report decribes our experience with operative stabilization of flail chest with the use of Judet`s struts. In a series of 56 patients with flail chest, the method allowed shorter duration of artificial ventilation and decreased functional sequale. We find this technique to be better than previously published methods, since it provides better stabilization and immobilazation of the ribs and thus obviates the need for artificial ventilation and prevents post-traumatic chest deformity.