Rib Fixation in Chennai — Expert Surgical Treatment for Rib Fractures

Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan — the Only Surgeon in Chennai performing Rib Fracture Fixation Surgery. Award-Winning Cardiothoracic Surgeon | FACS Fellow | Available at Kesar Speciality Centre & St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai.

rib fracture fixation in Chennai

⭐ Chennai's Only Best Rib Fracture Fixation Surgeon

Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is the only surgeon currently performing surgical Rib Fracture Fixation (ORIF — Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ribs) in Chennai. If you or a loved one is suffering from multiple rib fractures, flail chest, or severe rib injuries that are not healing with conservative treatment, Dr. Thanga Saravanan offers the only surgical solution available in Chennai.

⭐ Exclusive: Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is the only surgeon in Chennai offering Rib Fracture Fixation surgery. Available for consultation and surgery at both Kesar Speciality Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre.

What is a Rib Fracture? Understanding Broken Ribs

A rib fracture — commonly called a broken rib — is a crack or break in one or more of the 12 pairs of ribs that form the chest cage. Rib fractures are among the most common thoracic (chest) injuries, occurring most frequently due to road traffic accidents, falls, direct blows to the chest, sports injuries, or severe coughing (in patients with osteoporosis).

While a single, simple rib fracture can often be managed conservatively with pain relief and breathing exercises, multiple rib fractures — particularly those involving 3 or more ribs — or a flail chest (a section of the chest wall that moves paradoxically with breathing) represent serious, life-threatening injuries that require expert surgical management. This is where Dr. Thanga Saravanan’s specialised rib fixation expertise becomes critical.

Common Causes of Rib Fractures

Signs & Symptoms of Rib Fractures

rib fixation in chennai

What is Rib Fixation Surgery?

Rib Fixation Surgery — medically known as Surgical Rib Stabilisation or ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) of Ribs — is a procedure in which a thoracic surgeon realigns fractured ribs and secures them with specially designed titanium plates and screws (or rib-specific fixation implants). This stabilises the chest wall, restores normal breathing mechanics, and eliminates the pain and paradoxical movement associated with multiple rib fractures or flail chest.

Unlike conservative management (which relies on time, pain control, and physiotherapy), rib fixation surgery provides immediate mechanical stability to the injured chest wall, enabling the patient to breathe deeper, come off the ventilator sooner, and recover significantly faster.

⭐ The Only Best Surgeon in Chennai for Rib Fixation — Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan

best doctor for rib fracture fixation in Chennai

Rib Fracture Fixation is a highly specialised thoracic surgical procedure requiring advanced training, dedicated titanium rib plating systems, and intraoperative thoracoscopic capability. Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan — Thoracic Surgeon Chennai is the best surgeon offering this procedure — at both Kesar Speciality Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre. Patients who previously needed to travel to other cities for rib fixation can now receive world-class care right here in Chennai.

Rib Fixation vs. Conservative Management

Conservative management (bed rest, analgesia, physiotherapy) works for isolated 1–2 rib fractures. However, for 3+ displaced fractures, flail chest, or fractures causing respiratory failure, conservative treatment leads to prolonged ICU stays, ventilator dependence, pneumonia, and poor long-term outcomes. Rib fixation surgery delivers faster recovery, shorter ICU/hospital stay, and better respiratory function.

Who Needs Rib Fracture Fixation Surgery?

Not every rib fracture requires surgery. Dr. Thanga Saravanan carefully evaluates each patient’s clinical condition, imaging, and respiratory status before recommending surgical fixation. Below are the established indications for rib fixation.

Surgical Indications — When Rib Fixation is Required

Note: Patients with isolated 1–2 minimally displaced rib fractures, good oxygen saturation, and adequate pain control can typically be managed conservatively without surgery. Dr. Thanga Saravanan provides an honest, clinically appropriate recommendation for every patient — surgery is only recommended when it will deliver meaningful benefit over non-operative management.

Rib Fixation Surgery: Step by Step

Dr. Thanga Saravanan performs rib fixation surgery at both Kesar Speciality Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai, using state-of-the-art titanium rib plating systems. Here is what patients and families can expect through the surgical journey.

Step 1 — Emergency or Elective Assessment
In trauma cases, initial assessment includes Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol — airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilised first. Chest X-ray, CT scan of the thorax (with 3D reconstruction for rib fracture mapping), blood work, and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis are performed. For elective cases (failed conservative management), a full pre-operative workup is completed.
CT scan images with 3D reconstruction are used to precisely map which ribs are fractured, the fracture pattern (displaced, comminuted, segmental), and which fractures are driving respiratory compromise. The ribs to be fixed are prioritised and the appropriate implant system (titanium plates, strut plates, or intramedullary splints) is selected based on fracture anatomy.

General anaesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube (for single-lung ventilation if needed) is administered. The patient is positioned laterally (on their side) to access the fractured ribs. An epidural catheter or paravertebral block is placed for post-operative pain control.

Incisions are made over the fractured rib segments — typically following the natural rib lines or existing trauma wounds. The fractured rib ends are exposed, freed from surrounding muscle, and carefully reduced (realigned) to their anatomical position. Any haemothorax or pneumothorax found is simultaneously evacuated.

Pre-contoured titanium rib plates are applied over each reduced fracture and secured with self-tapping titanium screws — one on each side of the fracture line. The plates conform to the natural curvature of the ribs, restoring anatomical alignment and rigid stability. Multiple fractured ribs are fixed sequentially — typically the most mechanically compromising fractures first.

One or more chest drains are placed to remove any residual air or blood from the pleural cavity. Intercostal muscles, subcutaneous tissue, and skin are closed in layers with absorbable sutures. A chest X-ray is taken immediately after surgery to confirm rib alignment and lung re-expansion.

Post-operatively, patients are monitored in ICU or HDU. Patients who were ventilator-dependent before surgery are typically weaned and extubated significantly faster after rib fixation — often within 24–72 hours. Pain management via epidural or IV analgesia enables deep breathing and effective physiotherapy from day one.

Once off the ventilator, patients are stepped down to the ward. Incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, and early mobilisation are instituted. Most patients are discharged within 7–14 days depending on their overall injury burden. Chest drains are removed once drainage is minimal. The titanium plates are left in permanently and do not require removal.

Make an appointment

Where is Rib Fixation Surgery Available in Chennai?

Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan offers rib fracture fixation surgery consultations and procedures at two dedicated centres in Chennai. Both facilities are equipped with advanced thoracic surgical infrastructure, modern ICU/HDU, and experienced anaesthesia teams.

Kesar Speciality Centre, Chennai

A specialist surgical centre offering dedicated thoracic surgery, trauma surgery, and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Thanga Saravanan is available for both outpatient consultations (pre-operative assessment, post-operative review) and inpatient surgical procedures including rib fixation at this centre.

St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai

A reputed cardiac and thoracic surgical facility with advanced ICU, HDU, and operating theatre infrastructure. Dr. Thanga Saravanan performs rib fracture fixation surgeries and complex chest wall reconstruction procedures at St Thomas Heart Centre, catering to both elective and emergency thoracic surgical cases.

Best Doctor for Rib Fracture in Chennai — Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan

When searching for the best doctor for rib fracture fixation in Chennai — or the only surgeon performing rib fixation surgery in Chennai — Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is the definitive answer. He combines internationally trained thoracic surgical expertise with dedicated rib fixation capability at two centres in Chennai, making world-class broken rib treatment accessible to all patients in Tamil Nadu and South India.

⭐ Why Dr. Thanga Saravanan is Chennai’s #1 Choice for Rib Fracture Treatment

Only rib fixation surgeon in Chennai | Operates at Kesar Speciality Centre & St Thomas Heart Centre | Award-winning cardiothoracic surgeon (2024) | FACS Fellow | International fellowship training | Advanced titanium rib plating systems | Full trauma and thoracic surgical team | Insurance & medico-legal documentation support

Qualifications & Credentials

  • MCh Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery — Madras Medical College, Chennai (Dr. MGR Medical University, 2019–2022)
  • FACS — Fellow, American College of Surgeons (2020)
  • Fellowship in Advanced VATS Thoracic Surgery — Vajira Hospital, Navamindhradhiraj University, Thailand (2025)
  • Fellow, Indian Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (IACTS)
  • F.ICRS — Fellow, International College of Robotic Surgeons, World Laparoscopy Hospital
  • Diploma & Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (D.MAS, F.MAS)
  • Member, Asian Thoracic Academy (ATA/IN/0085)
  • Member, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)

Award — Best Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon of the Year 2024

Cluster of Achievers Awards, Bangkok, Thailand — recognising outstanding achievement in cardiac and thoracic surgery across Asia.

Current Practice

  • Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Kesar Speciality Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai (April 2019 - Present).
  • Consultant & Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai (June 2025 – Present).
  • Previously served as Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai (Nov 2022 – June 2025).

Why Patients & Referring Doctors Choose Dr. Thanga Saravanan for Rib Fixation

  • The only surgeon in Chennai performing rib fracture fixation — eliminating the need to transfer critically injured patients to distant cities
  • Available at two well-equipped centres — Kesar Speciality Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre — offering scheduling flexibility for both emergency and elective cases
  • Expertise in complex chest wall trauma including flail chest, bilateral rib fractures, and pathological fractures
  • Proficient in simultaneous thoracoscopic procedures (drainage of haemothorax, lung repair) during rib fixation
  • Comprehensive post-operative care including ICU management, physiotherapy coordination, and long-term follow-up
  • Full medico-legal documentation support for road traffic accident and insurance claims

Award — Best Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon of the Year 2024

Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is awarded as the best cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon of the year 2024. Cluster of Achievers Awards, Bangkok, Thailand — recognising outstanding achievement in cardiac and thoracic surgery across Asia.

Our Doctors

We merge two services consulting and brilliant client services for the patient healthcare. Used latest technology in hospital.
Dr.Thanga Saravanan

Dr.B.Thanga Saravanan

MS, Mch ,FACS,FICRS, Fellowship in VATS(THAILAND)

Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon

View Profile
dr.ramesh

Dr.A.N.Ramesh

MBBS.,M.D.(Gen. Med).,D.M.Cardio

Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist

View Profile
Best Doctor for NUSS Procedure in Chennai

Rib Fixation in Chennai

What is rib fixation surgery and when is it needed?

Rib fixation surgery — also called ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) of ribs or surgical rib stabilisation — is a procedure in which fractured ribs are realigned and secured with titanium plates and screws. It is needed when a patient has multiple displaced rib fractures (3 or more), flail chest, respiratory failure from rib injuries, or fractures that are not healing with conservative treatment. The surgery stabilises the chest wall, restores normal breathing mechanics, and dramatically speeds up recovery.

 

Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is the best — and only — doctor in Chennai performing rib fracture fixation surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), holds an MCh in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery from Madras Medical College, and won the Best Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon of the Year 2024 Award in Bangkok. He is available for rib fixation consultations and surgery at Kesar Specialist Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre in Chennai.

 

Yes. Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is the only surgeon currently performing surgical rib fracture fixation (rib plating / ORIF ribs) in Chennai. Rib fixation requires highly specialised thoracic surgical training, dedicated titanium rib plating implant systems, and the expertise to manage associated injuries. Dr. Thanga Saravanan uniquely offers this capability in Chennai, at both Kesar Specialist Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre — sparing critically injured patients from risky transfers to other cities.

 

The cost of rib fracture fixation surgery in Chennai ranges from approximately ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,50,000 for the surgical procedure itself (depending on the number of ribs and complexity), with additional costs for ICU stay, anaesthesia, and investigations. Total episode costs typically range from ₹2,80,000 to ₹8,00,000 based on injury severity and hospital stay duration. Dr. Thanga Saravanan's team at Kesar Specialist Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre provides detailed, itemised cost estimates and assists with insurance and accident claim documentation.

 

Rib fracture fixation surgery in Chennai is exclusively performed by Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan at two centres: (1) Kesar Specialist Centre, Chennai, and (2) St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai. Both facilities offer advanced thoracic surgical infrastructure, modern ICU and HDU, and experienced anaesthesia teams.

 

Flail chest is a severe chest wall injury where 3 or more adjacent ribs are each broken in 2 or more places, causing a free-floating segment of chest wall that moves paradoxically with breathing (inward during inhalation, outward during exhalation). This severely impairs breathing and is a life-threatening emergency. Flail chest almost always requires surgical rib fixation to stabilise the chest wall and prevent respiratory failure, pneumonia, and prolonged ICU admission. Dr. Thanga Saravanan is Chennai's only surgeon equipped to surgically correct flail chest.

 

Recovery after rib fixation surgery is significantly faster than with conservative management. Most patients who were on the ventilator are weaned and extubated within 24–72 hours after surgery. ICU stay is typically 3–5 days, and total hospital stay is 7–14 days depending on injury severity. Patients return to light daily activities within 4–6 weeks and full physical activity within 3 months. The titanium rib plates remain permanently and do not need removal — they are MRI-compatible and cause no long-term issues.

 
 

Yes. Rib fracture fixation surgery is covered by most private health insurance policies in India as it is a standard surgical procedure for a traumatic injury. For road traffic accident victims, costs are typically covered under the vehicle owner's third-party motor insurance (MACT claims). Dr. Thanga Saravanan's team at Kesar Specialist Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre provides full support including diagnosis documentation, surgical reports, and medico-legal certificates required for insurance and accident claim processing.

 
 

Yes, isolated 1–2 rib fractures without significant displacement, respiratory compromise, or associated injuries can often be managed conservatively with adequate pain relief, breathing exercises (incentive spirometry), and physiotherapy. However, multiple rib fractures (3+), flail chest, respiratory failure, or fractures causing severe persistent pain despite pain management require surgical fixation for the best outcomes. Dr. Thanga Saravanan provides an honest assessment and only recommends surgery when it will deliver meaningful clinical benefit over non-surgical treatment.

 
 
 

Referring physicians, emergency medicine doctors, and trauma surgeons can contact Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan directly at +91 97508 12233 for urgent rib fixation consultations. He accepts referrals at both Kesar Specialist Centre and St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai. For elective cases, outpatient consultations can be booked by calling or emailing drthanga@icloud.com. CT scan images and clinical notes can be shared digitally for pre-referral review. Emergency cases are triaged on priority basis.

 
 
 
 

Book Your Rib Fixation Consultation in Chennai

Suffering from multiple rib fractures or flail chest? Don’t wait — early surgical intervention delivers the best outcomes. Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan, Chennai’s only rib fixation surgeon, is available for urgent and elective consultations at two centres in Chennai.

Phone:  +91 97508 12233

Hospital:  St Thomas Heart Centre, Chennai

Speciality: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery — Rib Fixation, VATS, Pectus Surgery

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan directly for a personalised clinical assessment and surgical recommendation. In a chest trauma emergency, please go to the nearest emergency department immediately.