Surgical stabilization of rib fractures

Multiple rib fractures from trauma are common and nonoperative management, including pain control and aggressive pulmonary care, are the mainstay of treatment. However, patients with hindered pulmonary function despite maximal medical therapy, either from acute pain or chest wall instability (flail chest) should be considered for surgical rib stabilization. Additionally, patients with persistent pain or with rib fractures that do not heal (nonunion) should also be considered for surgery. Indications, contraindications, surgical considerations, complications, and future directions of surgical stabilization of rib fractures are reviewed here.