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

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Jun;68(4):357-360. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-3401043. Epub 2020 Jan 31.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Conservative Treatment*
  • Device Removal*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Paris
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnosis
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Rib Fractures / surgery*
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery*