EXPERIENCE OF SURGICAL STABILIZATION OF RIB FRACTURES

Abstract

The evolution of the technique of surgical interventions has gone from the imposition of simple fixative wire sutures during thoracotomy to the use of special anatomical metal plates. In this regard, the indications for surgical treatment of rib fractures were expanded and slightly modified.

The aim  – to summarize the experience of metal osteosynthesis of ribs in chest injury.

Material and  Methods. On the basis of the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Ternopil University Hospital, 487 patients with chest trauma were treated for the period 2015 – 2020.

Results and Discussion. There is much debate about the timing of surgery to stabilize rib fractures. Detailed preoperative planning is important, 207 patients underwent MOS of the ribs using blocked compression plates (LCP) and screws. This technique promotes early mobilization of patients, providing stable fixation of fragments in conditions of constant mobility of the chest. Pain control and chest mobilization are starting points in the treatment of isolated chest injury.

Conclusions. The main indications for metal osteosynthesis of the ribs are multiple, floating fractures of the ribs with a violation of the skeleton of the chest wall, fractures of the ribs with displaced fragments, with intrapleural complications, severe pain, respiratory disorders, and chest deformities. It is important to eliminate the risk of injury to the lung parenchyma by fragments of ribs.