What is the definition or description of: open repair of rib fracture?

Rib: Surgical incision with bone correction of the long, thin membranous bones that wrap around the thorax, or chest.

Plating broken bones: Multiple rib fractures may compromise respiratory function, or a non-healing rib fracture may cause continuing pain. These conditions can sometimes be helped by cutting down to the rib and stabilizing it by screwing on a plate made of metal or other material.

Open surgery: It requires operative exposure of the fracture site, and either plating or wiring of the fracture.

Cutting: Incision through skin, fast and muscle down to fracture. Use plates and screws to repair fracture.

ORIF: open reduction internal fixation. Hope it helps.