Evolving Rib Re-fractures in a Patient With Metal Fixators Post a Road Traffic Accident: An Unusual Hardware-Related Complication

A rib fracture is an entity that frequently occurs after thoracic trauma. Among post-surgical complications, a rib re-fracture is a rare complication that occurs in up to 0.1% of cases. We present the case of a 52-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency room for polytrauma and who received surgical treatment for rib fractures. One month after discharge, she was readmitted for pain, and displacement of fixed rib fractures was found, requiring further surgical intervention. Finally, the patient was discharged due to adequate clinical evolution.