A Single-Center Experience of Osteosynthesis Material Infection after Rib Fixation for Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Introduction There is no data regarding the incidence and treatment of deep infection affecting the surgical implants after rib fixation. The aim of this study is to share our experience in the management of infected material after surgical rib fixation.

Methods The medical records of operated patients from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results Three patients out of 87 (3.44%) developed an infection. One patient was treated conservatively and two patients were operated for hardware removal.

Conclusions The lack of evidence prompts for the design of surgical databases to share experience and enhance available data.

Keywords

rib - wound infection - trauma - surgery - complications - osteosynthesis - infection

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