Abstract
Introduction There is no data regarding the incidence and treatment of deep infection affecting
the surgical implants after rib fixation. The aim of this study is to share our experience
in the management of infected material after surgical rib fixation.
Methods The medical records of operated patients from January 2012 to December 2018 were
retrospectively analyzed.
Results Three patients out of 87 (3.44%) developed an infection. One patient was treated
conservatively and two patients were operated for hardware removal.
Conclusions The lack of evidence prompts for the design of surgical databases to share experience
and enhance available data.
Keywords
rib - wound infection - trauma - surgery - complications - osteosynthesis - infection
