Rib plating: is it worth the risk?

Rib plating has been a widely debated topic regarding its mortality and practicality in medical settings. Although this surgical practice can inflict risk upon its patients, it can be significantly beneficial if carried out effectively. Rib plating can alleviate severe pain and lighten pain medication dosage. 

According to the George Washington University Hospital, rib plating can significantly improve patient outcomes by decreasing length of hospital stay, visits to the intensive care unit, need for artificial ventilation/life support, and risk of death. 

However, patients are vulnerable to chest deformation and long-term chronic pain. Patients may argue that these risks can severely affect lifestyle and make doing basic tasks impractical. 

Despite the disadvantages, the benefits of this practice significantly outweigh the risks. As patients with rib fractures who undergo this surgery have a significantly higher chance of survival. Without it, individuals with rib fractures are prone to developing pneumonia and experiencing poor breathing. Even though survival is not guaranteed, it improves recovery outcomes and quality of life. 

According to a study from The National Library of Medicine, it was reported that the risk of surgery was 10.3% among 1,952 patients with overall mortality weighing in at 2.9%. While the mortality rate of individuals with rib fractures is approximately 10% as reported by Qureshi et al. (2023) from Brown Hospital Medicine. Rib plating has a significantly lower mortality rate compared to rib fractures. With the risks of surgery coming close with rib fracture mortality rate, it would be more beneficial to undergo the surgery as outcomes are more likely to be positive.  

Rib plating can be very effective when performed correctly and is safer than not performing it at all. Patients are more at risk without it and should therefore receive it.