Chest wall injury surgeon, know thyself.

The use of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) for non-flail fracture patterns continues to rise. However, multiple, recent randomized controlled trials in this patient population have failed to show a clear benefit to surgery. Rather than widening the gap between research and practice, we must embrace these trials, learn from them, and continue to refine the indications for surgery. Approaching SSRF with an awareness of our own cognitive biases, as well as scientific rigor, will advance the discipline of chest wall injury surgery.