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Rib osteotomy is a planned surgical cut in a rib. It may be part of an operation to reshape the chest wall or gain access to structures inside the chest. The surgeon may reposition or stabilize the rib, depending on the procedure.
read more about rib osteotomy ...A rib osteotomy may help correct a chest wall deformity during a larger operation. It can also provide access during certain chest procedures. The purpose and extent of the cut depend on the condition being treated.
The surgeon exposes the selected rib and makes a controlled cut. The rib may be moved to a planned position or temporarily separated to create access. Plates, screws, or other supports are used when fixation is needed.
Pain control helps patients breathe deeply and move during recovery. The care team may recommend breathing exercises and limits on lifting or strenuous activity. Healing time depends on the number of ribs treated and the larger operation.
Risks include bleeding, infection, and persistent chest wall pain. The lung or its lining can be injured, potentially causing air to collect around the lung. A repositioned rib may also heal slowly or fail to heal as intended.
No. An osteotomy means the rib is cut; removal of a rib or rib segment depends on the specific operation.
No. An osteotomy is a controlled surgical cut made for a planned purpose.
When the rib is left in place, the cut bone generally heals over time. Healing depends on its position, stability, and the patient's health.
No. The need for a chest tube depends on the operation and whether the space around the lung is entered.
Aesthetic Rib Cage Remodeling with Osteosynthesis: Body Structural High-Definition Reshaping (Rib Osteotomy with Osteosynthesis Stabilization). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38710099/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Concave rib osteotomy: a modified technique revisited. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2078311/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Rib osteotomy and fixation: enabling technique for better minithoracotomy exposure in cardiac and thoracic procedures. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19909985/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Rib osteotomy with the Nuss procedure for the repair of adult pectus excavatum. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32797365/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Thoracotomy: Your Hospital Recovery. UMass Memorial Health. https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library/thoracotomy-your-hospital-recovery. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.