Operative Management of Rib Synostosis and Malunion: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a complex case of a 56-year-old man with multiple left-sided rib pathology including nonunion, rib heterotopic ossification (HO) forming a rib-to-rib synostosis, and rib malunion. After a major forequarter trauma and failed conservative management, followed by scapula reconstruction and rib recontouring, the surgical resection of the rib synostosis, reconstruction of a rib nonunion, and contouring of rib malunions are described. The patient was followed up clinically for 1 year after the final procedure and demonstrated marked improvement in functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of complex forequarter malunion and nonunion, resolution of painful rib nonunion and synostosis can be effectively managed with HO resection and rib reconstruction.