Human nature being what it is, the rapid increase in the total number of automobiles on the highways and the recent trend toward senseless speed through fantastic increases in horsepower can add up to but one thing, more serious injuries caused by motor car accidents. Since 20 to 25% of the deaths from automobile accidents are due to chest injuries, an increasing number of serious thoracic injuries is to be expected. One of the most pressing problems in the treatment of stove-in thorax is stabilization of the chest wall. Anterior stove-in chest, or the so-called steering wheel injury, presents a particularly difficult problem when the area mobilized is extensive. The paradoxical respiration and the inefficiency of coughing caused by such injuries often threaten life. Normally with each inspiratory effort the anterior ribs rise and the diaphragm descends, enlarging the thoracic cage and drawing air into the lungs. When a substantial