Rib fixation for severe chest deformity due to multiple rib fractures

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2012;18(5):458-61. doi: 10.5761/atcs.cr.11.01759. Epub 2012 Feb 29.

Abstract

The operative indications for rib fracture repair have been a matter of debate. However, several reports have suggested that flail chest, pain on respiration, and chest deformity/defect are potential conditions for rib fracture repair. We describe our experience of rib fixation in a patient with severe chest deformity due to multiple rib fractures. A 70-year-old woman was admitted with right-sided multiple rib fractures (2nd to 7th) and marked chest wall deformity without flailing caused by an automobile accident. Collapse of the chest wall was observed along the middle anterior axillary line. At 11 days after the injury, surgery was performed to repair the chest deformity, as it was considered to pose a risk of restrictive impairment of pulmonary function or chronic intercostal pain in the future. Operative findings revealed marked displacement of the superior 4 ribs, from the 2nd to the 5th, and collapse of the osseous chest wall towards the thoracic cavity. After exposure of the fracture regions, ribs fixations were performed using rib staplers. The total operation time was 90 minutes, and the collapsed portion of the chest wall along the middle anterior axillary line was reconstructed successfully.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Humans
  • Multiple Trauma / complications
  • Multiple Trauma / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Trauma / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Rib Fractures / etiology
  • Rib Fractures / surgery*
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery*