Characteristics of Hardware Failure in Patients Undergoing Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures: A Chest Wall Injury Society Multicenter Study

Author Department

Surgery

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

5-2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is increasingly used for severe rib fractures/flail chest. There are no reports discussing mechanisms of failure of implanted hardware, its clinical presentation or consequences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, presenting signs, and clinical sequela of hardware failure after SSRF.

METHODS:

A multicenter, retrospective study was carried out by a group of surgeons with a large SSRF case volume. All cases with known hardware failure from 1/1/2010-12/31/2017 were included. The surgeon's experience at the time of hardware implantation, specific implant used, number of failures the surgeon had experienced with the same system, and time from implantation to hardware failure were recorded. Additionally, patient demographics, including age, co-morbid conditions, and number and location of rib fractures, were recorded. Symptomatology associated with hardware failure and need for explant and/or re-implantation of hardware was also recorded. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare cohorts.

RESULTS:

Of 1,224 patients who underwent SSRF, 38 patients with 233 rib fractures and 279 fracture segments experienced hardware failure and were enrolled in the study. Twelve patients presented more than 3 months following injury. Median age was 54 years old and 34% were active smokers. 144 plates were implanted with a median of 4 plates per patient. Median number of SSRF cases by each surgeon was 100 (range 1-280). Fractures and hardware failure were most frequent in the anterolateral/lateral region. Hardware failure was mostly due to screw migration and plate fracture. Hardware failure was asymptomatic in 40% and presented as pain in 42% of cases. 55% of cases required explantation of hardware and only 10% required SSRF again. There was no difference between the acute and chronic fracture cohorts.

CONCLUSION:

Hardware failure after SSRF is rare and often asymptomatic. When present, it is rarely requires re-do SSRF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level V, prognostic and epidemiological.

PMID

31107433

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