Initial management of rib fractures focuses on aggressive pain control (e.g., multimodal analgesia, regional nerve blocks) and pulmonary hygiene to prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.
Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is considered in patients with flail chest, significant displacement, or failure of non-operative management, aiming to restore chest wall stability, improve ventilation, and reduce ICU length of stay.
In the operating room, rib plating involves exposure of the fractured ribs, reduction of the fracture segments, and fixation with contoured plates and screws to provide rigid stabilization and promote healing.