2023 Volume 37 Issue 4 Pages 380-385
We report a case of recurrent late-onset pneumothorax in a patient with chest trauma requiring resection of a fractured rib. A 38-year-old man was referred to our hospital after suffering 7th-11th right rib fractures resulting from a fall. On the ninth day after injury, CT showed right pneumothorax. Chest tube drainage was performed, and the patient was discharged after the pneumothorax was resolved. However, right pneumothorax recurred twice. We considered that the end of the fractured 9th right rib, protruding into the thoracic cavity, had caused pneumothorax. On the 111th day after injury, thoracoscopic partial resection of the 9th right rib was performed. We recommend that cases of lower and floating rib fractures with sharp edges, in contact with intrathoracic organs, and with an acute angle to the chest wall of 25° or greater, be considered for surgical treatment.
