Surgical Fixation of Severe Rib Fractures: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Rib fractures are a commonly encountered traumatic injury and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are a marker of severe injury and can lead to defects in the chest wall and severe pain which may hinder breathing. Patients with rib fracture have an increased risk of developing chest infection, impaired pulmonary function, sepsis, atelectasis, respiratory failure, and other pulmonary pathologies, and they are at risk for prolonged hospitalizations