$Comparison of rib fracture fixation with plating vs. wiring.$

Rib Fracture Fixation: Is Wiring Obsolete?

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study weighs the benefits of plating versus wiring for traumatic rib and sternal fractures, revealing surprising insights for treatment and recovery."

Rib fractures are a common injury, often resulting from trauma. Over the years, various methods have been developed to stabilize these fractures, yet a definitive approach remains elusive. This has led to ongoing debates about the best course of treatment for ensuring optimal patient outcomes and faster recovery.

Traditionally, wiring has been a widely used technique for rib fracture fixation. However, recent advancements have introduced plating as a potentially superior alternative. A study conducted at Assiut University Hospital in Egypt aimed to compare the effectiveness of plating versus wiring in stabilizing traumatic rib and sternal fractures.

This article delves into the findings of this research, examining key indicators such as chest wall stability, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, and ventilator days. By understanding these outcomes, patients and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about the most appropriate fixation method for rib and sternal fractures.

Plating vs. Wiring: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Comparison of rib fracture fixation with plating vs. wiring.

The Assiut University Hospital study, conducted from July 2015 to November 2016, prospectively collected data from 30 patients with rib or sternal fractures. These patients were divided into two groups: Group A, where fractures were fixed with plates, and Group B, where stainless steel wires were used. The choice of fixation method depended on the surgeon's experience.

Researchers evaluated several variables to determine the effectiveness of each technique. These included:

Chest wall stability
Intensive care unit (ICU) stay
Hospital stay
Ventilator days

The results indicated that plating (Group A) achieved chest wall stability in 100% of patients, while wiring (Group B) only achieved this in 60% of patients. Furthermore, the ICU stay was significantly shorter for Group A (9 days) compared to Group B (13.8 days). Hospital stays also favored plating, with Group A averaging 11.6 days versus 17.1 days for Group B. Although ventilator days were fewer in Group A (6.38 days compared to 10.3 days), the difference was not statistically significant.

The Verdict: Is Plating the New Gold Standard?

The study's findings suggest that plating of rib and sternal fractures offers a better outcome compared to wiring. Plating demonstrates superior chest wall stability, restoration of chest contour, and reduced ICU and hospital stays. These advantages can lead to quicker recovery times and improved patient satisfaction.

While the study indicates significant benefits for plating, it's essential to consider individual patient factors and surgeon expertise when deciding on the best course of treatment. The choice between plating and wiring should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess the specific needs of each patient.

As research continues to evolve, plating may emerge as the preferred method for rib fracture fixation. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to solidify these findings and establish clear guidelines for optimal treatment strategies.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jescts.2017.08.005, Alternate LINK

Title: Plating Versus Wiring For Fixation Of Traumatic Rib And Sternal Fractures

Subject: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Journal: Journal of the Egyptian Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Mostafa Kamel Abd-Elnaim, Ahmed El-Minshawy, Mohamed Abd-Elkader Osman, Mohamed Mahmoud Ahmed

Published: 2017-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly does wiring involve for rib fracture fixation, and how effective is it?

Wiring is a traditional method where stainless steel wires are used to stabilize rib fractures. However, its effectiveness can be limited, as shown in the Assiut University Hospital study where it only achieved chest wall stability in 60% of patients. This method may result in longer ICU stays (13.8 days) and hospital stays (17.1 days) compared to plating. The study suggests wiring is not as effective as plating, particularly in achieving chest wall stability and reducing recovery times.

Can you explain the plating method for fixing rib fractures, and what makes it a potentially better option?

Plating involves using plates to fix rib and sternal fractures. According to the Assiut University Hospital study, plating achieved chest wall stability in 100% of patients. It also resulted in shorter ICU stays (9 days) and hospital stays (11.6 days) compared to wiring. Although ventilator days were fewer, the difference wasn't statistically significant. Plating offers superior chest wall stability and faster recovery times, making it a potentially more effective option for fracture fixation.

What specific outcomes were measured in the Assiut University Hospital study to compare plating and wiring?

The Assiut University Hospital study evaluated chest wall stability, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, and ventilator days. Chest wall stability was significantly better with plating. ICU and hospital stays were shorter for patients treated with plating compared to wiring. While ventilator days were fewer with plating, the difference wasn't statistically significant. These outcomes are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of each fixation method and guiding treatment decisions.

What are the potential benefits of plating over wiring for rib and sternal fractures, according to the research?

The study at Assiut University Hospital revealed that plating demonstrates superior chest wall stability, restoration of chest contour, and reduced ICU and hospital stays. These factors suggest that plating can lead to quicker recovery times and improved patient satisfaction. While the study highlights the benefits of plating, it's essential to consider other potential factors, such as the complexity of the fracture and the patient's overall health, when determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Besides plating and wiring, are there any other treatment advancements or considerations for rib fracture fixation that should be taken into account?

While the study focuses on comparing plating and wiring, other advancements like absorbable plates and minimally invasive techniques exist. Furthermore, patient-specific factors, such as age, bone density, and pre-existing conditions, should influence the choice of fixation method. A comprehensive approach should also include pain management strategies, respiratory support, and rehabilitation programs to optimize patient recovery.