Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures: Emerging Indications

Debabrata Kumar¹, Samundeeswari S², Lalita Ghosh³, Humayun Ali Shah⁴, Suman Das⁵, Saseendar S⁶*

Received: February 12, 2019;   Published: February 27, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/SCSOAJ.2019.02.000138

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Abstract

Introduction: Rib fractures are a common injury after road traffic accidents. While most simple rib fractures heal well, multiple rib fractures may result in acute life-threatening complications or chronic disability and work loss. Though surgical fixation of rib fractures has most commonly been restricted to multiple rib fractures with flail chest, there has been a recent interest in fixation of multiple rib fractures with chest deformity to preclude chronic disability and loss of work.

Case Report: We report the case of a 34 year male with multiple rib fracture and chest deformity due to multiple, displaced fractures of 3rd to 10th ribs on the left side. He was treated with open reduction and internation fixation of ribs with 2.4mm titanium reconstruction plates and screws. The emerging indications of rib fracture fixation, as seen in this patient, are discussed.

Conclusion: Longer duration of hospital stays and delay in returning to normal life result in poor quality of life and add to direct and indirect treatment expenses. A case-based approach is essential in the decision-making for surgical fixation of multiple displaced rib fractures.

Keywords: Rib Fractures; Fracture Fixation; Chest Deformity

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