Waist Reduction through Conversion from False to Floating Ribs
Raúl M Manzaneda1, Gerardo A Adrianzen1,2
1From Private Practice, Lima, Peru.
Background:
Waist reduction by ultrasound-guided monocortical fracture (RibXcar), usually performed on floating ribs, may show limitations when performed on false ribs (9 and 10) because of the stress force exerted on the anterior fixation point (cartilage union to sternum). Hence, we introduced a procedure for conversion from false to floating ribs to improve the final result of the treatment of false ribs through a rib treatment scheme.
Methods:
Forty-nine female patients undergoing rib surgery were recruited. Waist measurements and angular variations were compared between two groups of patients, the first (26 patients) consisting of patients who underwent RibXcar with conversion surgery (ribs 9 and 10) and the second (23 patients) consisting of patients who underwent RibXcar without conversion surgery (ribs 9 and 10).
Results:
The waist measurements taken after 6 months showed a mean decrease of 8.70 cm in the group where only RibXcar was performed, whereas a statistically significant mean reduction of 17.04 cm was observed in the group where RibXcar was performed with rib conversion surgery.
Conclusions:
The false-to-floating-rib conversion technique combined with RibXcar demonstrated more reduction in waist circumference and a more efficient rib angulation compared with RibXcar alone.
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Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
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Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
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The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...