Rib fractures are common injuries associated with blunt chest trauma. Each additional rib fractured in the elderly population can increase mortality disability. Current treatment modalities include a combination of analgesia, aggressive pulmonary toilet and surgical fixation when flail chest injury present (three or more consecutive ribs in 2 or more locations). Muscle sparing minimally invasive rib fixation (MSMIT) offers an alternative to the traditional open surgical approach.
Operative Management
Hip Blocks
The Fascia Iliaca block (hip block) is a simple procedure done at the patient’s bedside by the physician or advanced practitioner. It is a small tunneled catheter which provides continuous local anesthesia to the site to reduce pain, the need for narcotics and increases mobility. This pain block can stay in for several days, even postoperatively in some cases. Our team has found this procedure provides immediate pain relief and reduces the complications associated with opiates such as confusion, constipation and respiratory depression.