Benefits of Rib Fixation Utilizing Low-Cost Materials: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) using standard rib plating systems has become a norm in developed countries. However, the procedure has not garnered much interest in low-middle-income countries, primarily because of the cost.

This was a single-center pilot randomized trial. Patients with severe rib fractures were randomized into two groups: SSRF and nonoperative management. SSRF arm patients underwent surgical fixation in addition to the tenets of nonoperative management. Low-cost materials like stainless steel wires and braided polyester sutures were used for fracture fixation. The primary outcome was to assess the duration of hospital stay.

Twenty-two patients were randomized, 11 in each arm. Per-protocol analysis showed that the SSRF arm had significantly reduced duration of hospital stay (22.6 ± 19.1 d versus 7.9 ± 5.7 d, P value 0.031), serial pain scores at 48 h and 5 d (median score 5, IQR (3-6) versus median score 7, IQR (6.5-8), P value 0.004 at 48 h and median score 2 IQR (2-3) versus median score 7 IQR (4.5-7) P value 0.0005 at 5 d), significantly reduced need for injectable opioids (9.9 ± 3.8 mg versus 4.4 ± 3.4 mg, P value 0.003) and significantly more ventilator-free days (19.9 ± 8.7 d versus 26.4 ± 3.2 d, P value 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in the total duration of ICU stay (median number of days 2, IQR 1-4.5 versus median number of days 7, IQR 1-14, P value 0.958), need for tracheostomy (36.4% versus 0%, P value 0.155), and pulmonary and pleural complications.

SSRF with low-cost materials may provide benefits similar to standard rib plating systems and can be used safely in resource-poor settings.