SSRF: Surgical Stabilisation of Rib Fractures

ANZAST is grateful for the ongoing support of our Platinum Sponsors in 2021

Rib fixation is now recognised as an effective form of management in selected patients with flail chest wall injury. As the burden of trauma increases in our community, the need for surgeons to develop their trauma surgical skills is also increased. The surgical management of severe chest wall injury is an area of specific interest across Aotearoa (AoNZ) and Australia. 

The objectives of the workshop are to allow surgeons with experience in the management of trauma patients to develop the clinical and technical skills required to introduce rib fixation into their practice, and to allow surgeons with some experience in the technique to further develop their operative decision making and technical expertise.  These will be achieved by a program that includes:

  • A review of the literature
  • Patient selection
  • Pre-operative planning
  • Anaesthetic considerations
  • Patient positioning and incision(s)
  • Case presentations
  • A review of the systems available and soon to be available across Australia and Aotearoa (AoNZ)
  • Technique
  • Hands-on opportunity to perform rib fixation with the various devices within a cadaver lab
  • The post-operative considerations including analgesia
  • The logistics of introducing rib fixation into your practice and hospital

The workshop will also give participants an opportunity to discuss research activities across Australia and Aotearoa (AoNZ), with the aim to facilitate multi-centre collaboration.

The next ANZAST SSRF Workshop will be held in Parkville, Melbourne, on Sunday 9th May 2021, immediately prior to the RACS Annual Scientific Congress. This course is now BOOKED OUT.

If you would like to register your interest for future courses, please email us at ANZAST.

Participants and faculty: 2017 SSRF Workshop, Sydney, NSW.