Structural integrity of intramedullary rib fixation using a single bioresorbable screw

Operative management of flail chest injury is receiving increasing interest. However, we have noticed in our own practice the difficulty in achieving reliable results with posterior rib fracture fixation. In this article, we analyze and model the physiologic forces acting on posterior rib fractures and assess the suitability of an intramedullary screw fixation technique in this site.