Evaluation of Surgical Treatment on Pain and Disability for Chronic, Non-healing Rib Fracture

Some enrolled subjects will undergo rib fracture surgery at OHSU. Devices used in the repair of rib fracture non-union could include RibLoc® or BioBridge ™. RibLoc® is a U-shaped permanent device that secures to the rib with screws locking from the front to the back of the metal plate (through the rib). BioBridge ™ is a resorbable, non-permanent device that stabilizes the ribs. Both devices are designed to stabilize the rib fracture non-union and promote healing of the non-union rib. For some patients, it may be determined that resection of the rib fracture non-union without an implanted device is the most appropriate treatment. The goal of surgical intervention is to improve the pain and disability associated with rib fracture non-union in appropriate patients.