Rib Fracture with Nerve Entrapment
Indication:
Rib fracture non-union with intercostal nerve entrapment
Product used:
One 10mm plate
Surgeon:
John C. Mayberry, MD, Portland, OR
History:
35 year old male fractured multiple left-sided rib fractures when he crashed into a tree skiing December, 2005. The ninth rib had persistent pain associated with fracture movement at 3 months post-injury. The pain was in a dermatome pattern consistent with the 9th intercostal nerve. 3D reconstruction of chest wall revealed 9th rib fracture non-union.
Treatment:
Thorascopic assisted 9th rib fracture repair with a 10 mm U-plate on 3-10-2006. At operation, the 9th intercostal nerve was found to be pulled into the fibrous scar between the fractured ends of bone.
Follow-up:
At 1 year, his pain and functional status were significantly improved and a repeat CT scan showed fracture healing.
