Rib fracture fixation by orthopaedic and cardiothoracic surgeons has become increasingly popular for the treatment of chest injuries in trauma. The literature, though mainly limited to Level II and III evidence, shows favourable results for operative fixation. In this paper we review the literature and discuss the indications for rib fracture fixation, surgical approaches, choice of implants and the future direction for management. With the advent of NICE guidance and new British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) guidelines in production, the management of rib fractures is going to become more and more commonplace

The October 2015 Research Roundup360 looks at: Wasted implants; Biofilms revisited; Peri-operative anticoagulation not required in atrial fibrillation; Determinants in outcome following orthopaedic surgery; Patient ‘activation’ and outcomes; Neuroplasticity and nerve repair; KOOS Score in predicting injury?

The June 2015 Hip & Pelvis Roundup. 360 . looks at: neuraxial anaesthesia and large joint arthroplasty; revision total hip arthoplasty: factors associated with re-revision surgery; acetabular version and clinical outcomes in impingement surgery; hip precautions may be ineffective; implant selection and cost effectiveness; femoroacetabular impingement in the older age group; multiple revision in hip arthroplasty