Long-Term Outcomes After Removal of Rib Stabilization Hardware in Patients With Blunt Chest Trauma

This study investigated the long-term outcomes of hardware removal (HR) in patients who had previously undergone surgical fixation for blunt chest trauma, with a median of 11.5 rib fractures stabilized per patient. A retrospective review spanning 2017 to 2023 was performed, with follow-up assessments conducted approximately 28 months after HR. The study focused on improvements in mobility, self-care, daily activities, mental health, and symptoms such as chest pain and tightness. Among 28 patients, HR was primarily performed due to persistent pain, discomfort, chest tightness, hardware dislocation, or infection, usually around 18 months after the initial surgery. Surgeons employed a muscle-sparing technique through the previous incision, with or without excision. Patients experiencing chest tightness and infections reported the greatest symptom relief, with 75 percent showing improvement, followed by those with hardware dislocation. All patients in these groups expressed full satisfaction and a willingness to undergo HR again if needed.