Prospective randomized trial of metal versus resorbable plates in surgical stabilization of rib fractures

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Prospective randomized trial of metal versus resorbable plates in surgical stabilization of rib fractures via Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery - Current Issue BACKGROUND Surgical stabilization of rib fractures has gained popularity as both metal and resorbable plates have been approved for fracture repair. Is there a difference between metal and resorbable plate rib fixation regarding rib fracture alignment, control of pain, and quality-of-life (QOL) scores (Rand SF-36 survey)? METHODS Eligible patients (pts) included 18 years or older with one or more of the following: flail chest, one or more bicortical displaced fractures (3–10), nondisplaced fractures with failure of medical management. Patients were randomized to either metal or resorbable plate fixation. Primary outcome was fracture alignment. Secondary outcomes were pain scores, opioid use, and QOL scores. RESULTS Thirty pts were randomized (15 metal/15 resorbable). Total ribs plated 167 (88 metal/79 resorbable). Patients with rib displacement at day of discharge (DOD) metal 0/14 (one pt died, not from plating) versus resorbable 9/15 or 60% (p = 0.001). Ribs displaced at DOD metal 0/88 versus resorbable 22/79 or 28% (p View on Web

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