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01-01-2009

Rib Fracture Repair: Indications, Technical Issues, and Future Directions

Authors: Raminder Nirula, Jose J. Diaz Jr., Donald D. Trunkey, John C. Mayberry

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Rib fracture repair has been performed at selected centers around the world for more than 50 years; however, the operative indications have not been established and are considered controversial. The outcome of a strictly nonoperative approach may not be optimal. Potential indications for rib fracture repair include flail chest, painful, movable rib fractures refractory to conventional pain management, chest wall deformity/defect, rib fracture nonunion, and during thoracotomy for other traumatic indication. Rib fracture repair is technically challenging secondary to the human rib’s relatively thin cortex and its tendency to fracture obliquely. Nonetheless, several effective repair systems have been developed. Future directions for progress on this important surgical problem include the development of minimally invasive techniques and the conduct of multicenter, randomized trials.

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Title: Rib Fracture Repair: Indications, Technical Issues, and Future Directions
Authors: Raminder Nirula
Jose J. Diaz Jr.
Donald D. Trunkey
John C. Mayberry
Publication date: 01-01-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-008-9770-y

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Rib Fracture Repair: Indications, Technical Issues, and Future Directions

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