Thoracoscopic, Minimally Invasive Rib Fixation After Trauma

Rib fractures and flail chest are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Operative rib fixation has been shown to improve patient outcomes. In an attempt to decrease postoperative pain and wound infection rates, we performed rib fixation using a thoracoscopic approach. A 43-year-old trauma patient underwent thoracoscopic rib fixation with placement of a bioabsorbable plate. Postoperatively, the patient was extubated on post-operative day (POD) 1 and no longer required supplemental oxygen on POD5. This case demonstrates that thoracoscopic rib fixation is technically feasible and safe.