Su YH, et al. - Via this retrospective comparative study performed on the basis of a prospectively collected database at a single institute, researchers analyzed how early surgical stabilization of rib fractures influence the perioperative results, clinical outcomes, and medical costs of patients with severe rib fractures and respiratory failure. A total of 33 patients with severe rib fractures and respiratory failure who underwent surgical stabilization were classified into early (within 3 days of injury) and late (more than 3 days after injury) groups; 16 and 17 in the early and late groups, respectively. Outcomes revealed the significantly shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit and hospital stays with early surgical stabilization of rib fractures in selected patients while incurring less medical costs.