Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures

Rib fractures are a common thoracic injury that is encountered in 20% to 39% of patients with blunt chest trauma. It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, the majority of these patients with have been managed nonoperatively. Recently, the utilization of surgical stabilization of rib fractures has increased considerably because the procedure has shown superior outcomes .Portable ultrasound is a modality of medical ultrasonography that utilizes small and light devices, and is an established diagnostic method used in clinical settings such as Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, Radiology, Endocrinology, Pediatric and Obstetric & Gynecology.

The use of portable ultrasound devices in operation theatre demonstrates several advantages Portable color doppler ultrasound systems for instance have become an entrenched part in the management of rib fracture. A case study mentioned in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery Volume 36, December 2018, Pages 96-98 has demonstrates that the portable ultrasound system is a valuable method of imaging in the assessment of rib fractures, and which can save time, economically affordable for many patients, and allow surgeons to make a minor incision in order to avoid complications such as infection, particularly in elderly patients.

It has been reported in the literature that a fractured rib can injure neighboring organs including the descending aorta, which is a life-threatening complication. Data from the literature supports that approximately 10% of all blunt force injuries that occur in the elderly have had more than 1 rib fracture. Patients, older than 65 years, were at high risk for rib fracture due to falls sustained from a standing position or from height such as climbing a ladder. Several studies in the adult population of patients revealed that besides associated injuries, other independent factors that adversely affect mortality rate include older age and higher number of fractured ribs.

Herein, we highly recommend the utility of a handheld color doppler ultrasound system like the Linear Wireless Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-5.34 – Color Doppler in the management of rib fractures.

Using a high-frequency 7.5 to 10 MHz  color doppler linear transducer is the status quo in the assessment of rib fractures. For this reason, our orthopedist clients tend to use the Linear portable Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-5.34. This ultrasound has an Intelligent terminal platform, powerful expansion functions on application, storage, communication and printing. It’s a small, mobile scanner packed with high-end technology.

This procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon trained in ultrasound technology*

Reference: The use of a portable ultrasound system in the surgical assessment of rib fractures in an elderly patient
Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures