Surgical Fixation of Complex Rib Fractures to Sternum for Flail Chest: A Case Report

Abstract

Rib fractures are among the most common injuries found in a patient presenting from blunt trauma. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, largely due to pulmonary complications. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) has been the mainstay treatment for patients with multiple rib fractures. In this report, we present a case of a patient that sustained blunt thoracic trauma with multiple anterolateral rib fractures, including a flail segment. This fail segment involved the costal cartilage and required fixation of ribs to the sternum in order to restore chest wall stabilization and integrity. This was achieved using the Zimmer Biomet rib plate system. The approach utilized should be considered in patients with rib fractures associated with segments of displaced costal cartilage.

Keywords

• rib fractures
• flail segment
• rib plating