When less is more: A minimally invasive, intrathoracic approach to surgical stabilization of rib fractures

Rib fractures are a common and serious injury in both blunt and penetrating trauma to the thorax. The morbidity and mortality associated with these fractures is often due to impaired respiratory mechanics, leading to a number of pulmonary complications and lengthy hospitalization. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures has become an increasingly popular treatment option within the trauma community, but the definitive role in management is still being established. The development of new minimally invasive techniques offers a promising future into rib fixation and its role in the treatment algorithm. Here we present a 48-year-old male who sustained four right sided rib fractures after a ground level fall and subsequently endured poor pain control and breathing mechanics requiring surgical stabilization of his rib fractures. We introduce a new minimally invasive technique for stabilization of rib fractures using an intrathoracic thoracoscopic approach. Given the patient's dramatic improvement in pain and respiratory function after surgery, we are excited about the future of this technique and all its potential.