In-hospital outcomes and costs of surgical stabilization versus nonoperative management of severe rib fractures.

Background: One factor that has precluded the wide adoption of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is the perception that it is too expensive to surgically repair an injury that will eventually heal without intervention. The purpose of this study was to compare in-hospital outcomes, costs, and charges for SSRF patients with a series of propensity-matched, nonoperatively managed rib fracture (NON-OP) patients at a single Level 1 trauma center.

Methods: All patients admitted with rib fractures between January 2009 and June 2013 were identified.

Long-term patient outcomes after surgical stabilization of rib fractures.

Background: Rib fractures are common, and can be disabling. Recently, there has been increased interest in surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF). It is difficult to define long-term benefits of the procedure.