Introduction: Implementation of a minimally invasive surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) program at a community level II trauma center demonstrates that advanced chest wall injury care can be successful, not only at large academic institutions. The purpose of this study was to assess the development and effectiveness of minimally invasive SSRF protocol in trauma patients at community trauma centers.
Methods: This study is a mixed-methods quality improvement study conducted at a community level II trauma center to evaluate development, implementation and early outcomes of multidisciplinary minimally invasive surgical stabilization of rib fracture (SSRF) program in a facility that previously lacked structured protocol, initiated between August 2024 and February 2025.
Results: Establishing a minimally invasive surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) program at a community level II trauma center can be challenging to implement. The primary result of this study was within the process of constructing and implementation of the protocol with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality of traumatic chest wall injuries, decreasing pain and accelerating the return to baseline condition. Inclusion criteria for SSRF included patients 18 years or older with a radiographically confirmed rib fracture due to blunt trauma. A standardized minimally invasive video assisted thoracoscopic protocol and a specific postoperative management with discharge criteria is established.
Conclusions: This study provides protocols for all members of trauma teams allowing community hospitals the foundation to deliver quality and prompt surgical care for complex traumatic rib fractures with improved outcomes and efficiency. Findings that are most indicative of successful implementation include reductions in ICU length of stay, pain medication requirements and complications such as infections and pneumonia. Implementation of such protocol provides patients prompt treatment at their local hospital as opposed to facing challenges in transferring to larger academic facilities for definitive treatment. Minimally invasive video assisted thoracoscopic rib fixation in community-level trauma centers supports a positive impact on recovery in those with severe fractures. AI was used for grammar and clarity editing.
