Rib Plating of Recurrent, Nonunion Rib Stress Fractures in an Elite Athlete

Rib plating is well established for severe traumatic rib fractures, but its application in rib stress fractures (RSFs) remains poorly defined. We report the case of a Division I female collegiate rower presenting with recurrent anterior thoracic RSFs and pain refractory to conservative management. She underwent rib plating with chest wall reconstruction by a local muscle flap, with complete pain resolution reported 4 weeks postoperatively. This case suggests that for select patients, particularly those exposed to high thoracic stress loading, rib plating may represent an effective treatment strategy for refractory RSF-related pain.