Is There a Role for Rib Plating in Thoracic Trauma?

Rib fractures are a morbid consequence of blunt trauma and are associated with a highly variable clinical presentation ranging from nondisplaced rib fractures causing limited, manageable pain to severely displaced rib fractures with concomitant thoracic injuries leading to respiratory failure. Due to an evolution of techniques, hardware technology, and general acceptance, rib plating has increased substantially at trauma centers all throughout the United States over the past decade. This article aims to review the most recent and current reports for rib plating with respect to indications, preoperative evaluation and imaging, approaches, timing for intervention, outcomes in patients with flail chest and nonflail injuries, and the management of complications. From these data, it becomes clear that the surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has a firm place in the management of thoracic trauma.