Surgical Site Infection after Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures: Rare but Morbid

Background: Although surgical stabilization for rib fractures (SSRF) has been adopted widely over the past decade, little information is available regarding the prevalence and outcomes of post-operative surgical site infection (SSI). We hypothesized that SSI after SSRF is uncommon but morbid. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing SSRF at a level 1 trauma center from 2010-2020 were reviewed. The primary outcome was the prevalence of SSI, documented by clinical examination, radiography, systemic markers of infection, and microbiology. Results: Of 228 patients undergoing SSRF, 167 (73.2%) were male, the median age was 53 years (P-25-P-75; 41-63 years), injury severity score (ISS) was 19 (P-25-P-75, 13-26), with a median of eight fractured ribs (P-25-P-75, 6-11). All stabilization plates were titanium. SSRF was typically performed on post-injury day one (P-25-P-75, 0-2 days) after trauma. All patients received antibiotic agents within 30 minutes of incision, and a median of four ribs (P-25-P-75, 3-6) were repaired. Four (1.8%) patients developed an SSI and all underwent implant removal. Two patients required implant removal within 30 days (on post-operative day seven and 17) and two for chronic infection at seven and 17 months after SSRF. The causative organism was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteria in all patients. After implant removal, three patients received intravenous and oral antibiotic agents, ranging from two to six weeks, without recurrent infection. No patient required additional SSRF. Conclusions: Surgical site infection after SSRF is rare but morbid and can become symptomatic within one week to 17 months. Implant removal results in complete recovery.