Episode 50: Rib fractures and surgical plating with Ron Barbosa

The podcast explores the complexities of managing rib fractures, particularly focusing on when and how surgical rib plating should be considered. It highlights the importance of multimodal pain management, including opioids, gabapentin, and epidurals, while cautioning against relying solely on narcotics. Dr. Ron Barbosa, a trauma surgeon and trauma ICU medical director, explains that the decision to perform rib plating depends on both clinical and anatomical factors, such as the location and displacement of the fractures. The discussion also addresses the challenges in timing surgical intervention due to the potential for delayed complications like pleural effusions, and it touches on the practical considerations of performing rib plating, including the necessary expertise and the procedure's RVU value.