Prospective Follow up of Minimally Invasive Chest Wall Surgery After Trauma

A Prospective Follow-up of Patients Treated With Muscle Sparing, Minimally Invasive Open Surgical Technique for Unstable Chest Wall After Trauma

The purpose of this study is to assess the outcome of a muscle sparing, minimally invasive open surgical technique for unstable ribcage injuries after trauma. The investigators will compare the results from the study participants to a historical cohort who were operated with a different surgical technique with large incisions and simultaneous thoracotomy.

This is a prospective follow-up study where the investigators aim to study patients who have undergone surgery with a muscle sparing, minimally invasive technique for unstable ribcage after trauma. The investigators plan on seeing the participants as out patients 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The results will be compared to results from a historical cohort with patients who participated in earlier studies with a different surgical method with large incisions and simultaneous thoracotomy. The investigators plan on including 50 patients since a preliminary analysis has suggested this should be enough to notice statistically significant differences between the groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chest wall trauma who underwent surgical stabilisation for unstable chest wall using a minimally invasive, muscle sparing technique without thoracotomy or thoracoscopy no more than 6 months prior to inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury score (AIS) >3)
• Spinal injury
• Neurological or musculoskeletal disease affecting chest wall mobility