I've definitely heard of hip, femur and knee replacements, but do they do the same with the ribs? Surely someone has needed to have a rib removed before or something, do they have titanium replacements? If this happens to a child, do they need multiple operations as they grow? Could someone please explain it to me or send me a link about it? please and thank you :)
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If one rib is removed it does not need to be replaced. The rest of the rib cage will provide adequate protection to the heart and lungs.
If multiple ribs are damaged and need to be removed and there is significant compromise of the chest wall then a bone graft could be used (I think the fibula can be used as it is used to graft to other locations) or maybe a donor bone graft (cadaveric).
If multiple ribs are damaged and need to be removed and there is significant compromise of the chest wall then a bone graft could be used (I think the fibula can be used as it is used to graft to other locations) or maybe a donor bone graft (cadaveric).