RIB FRACTURE MANAGEMENT

In recent years the approach towards rib fractures has evolved. Abandoned in the past, due to inadequate instrumentation and lack of evidence, rib fixation has recently re-emerged as a treatment option for trauma patients. There have been several advances over the last 25 years that now allow surgeons to internally fix rib fractures that otherwise may have not had other options. However, as a result, there has been a rapid increase in literature and many institutions interested in initiating rib fixation programs. Due to a variety of practitioners involved namely, trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and thoracic surgeons, there has been no comprehensive guide to patient selection, technique, and post-operative care. The purpose of this text is to fill the educational gap for that trauma, orthopedic, and thoracic surgeons interested in learning the cutting-edge evidence-based approaches to the treatment of rib fractures.