Rescue Re-Do Inline Osteosynthesis with Wire Cerclage for Failed Rib Plating of Multilevel Rib Nonunion.

Abstract

Rib nonunion is a rare occurrence that requires surgical management and has a high rate of failure that may necessitate repeated intervention. We present the case of successful rescue redo repair of previously failed plating of chronic nonunion for multilevel posterior rib fractures, reinforced by wire cerclage of the osteosynthesis plate. Our objective is to illustrate the feasibility of repeated interventions, and the technique to resolve this challenging problem.