Internal fixation of claw-type rib bone plates on multiple fractured ribs

Objective: Our study aimed at exploring the efficacy as well as feasibility of internal fixation of claw-type rib bone plates on multiple fractured ribs. Methods: The clinical materials of 25 cases with multiple fractured ribs caused by blunt chest trauma, including 18 males and 7 females, averagely aging (60.1±13.3) years old, were retrospectively analyzed in our hospital from October 2012 to January 2016. They received open reduction and treatment of claw-type rib bone plates fixation under general anesthesia. Additionally, visual analogue score (VAS) was utilized to evaluate the pain. Results: Satisfactory effects were obtained in all patients with fractured ribs using rib bone plates. Postoperative recheck of chest X-rays or chest CT demonstrated favorable reduction without migration or dislocation, meanwhile, bilateral thoraces were roughly symmetrical and thoracic deformity disappeared on affected side compared with that before the surgery. The chest wall was stabilized and patients were satisfied with rectification of chest wall deformity after undergoing rib bone plates fixation; patients’ postoperative pain was significantly relieved. All the surgeries were successful and the rib bone plates were taken out from patients, consequently, patients recovered postoperatively without those preoperative symptoms. Conclusions: The efficacy of internal fixation of claw-type rib bone plates on multiple fractured ribs was satisfactory no matter whether patients suffered from flail chest or not, possessing a higher clinical application value.