RibFest 2026 - Symposium on the Surgical Stabilization of Traumatic Rib and Sternal Fractures

Stanford, California

About

Overview

RibFest 2026 will provide comprehensive education on the indications and techniques for surgical stabilization of rib and sternal fractures (SSRF), along with adjunctive pain-management strategies. Through a combination of focused lectures, case-based discussions, and supervised hands-on cadaver training, learners will gain exposure to both open and intrathoracic plating techniques as well as intercostal nerve cryoablation and local anesthetic approaches. Lecture topics will cover: (a) indications for SSRF; (b) open surgical approaches; (c) intrathoracic SSRF techniques; (d) pain-control adjuncts; and (e) management of postoperative complications. Cadaver sessions will offer practical experience with open and intrathoracic approaches, SSRF instrumentation, and multiple plating platforms. By the end of the course, participants will be able to describe appropriate indications for SSRF, demonstrate SSRF techniques on cadaver models, and discuss strategies for managing potential complications.

Registration

Physicians: $750
Residents: $150
**Course is limited to 8 physicians and 8 Residents**

Credits

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (6.50 hours), Non-Physician Participation Credit (6.50 hours)

Target Audience

Specialties - Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Surgery, Surgery, Thoracic Surgery

Professions - Fellow/Resident, Non-Physician, Physician

Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners should be able to:

1. Describe indications for surgical stabilization of traumatic rib and sternal fractures
2. Demonstrate how to safely stabilize rib and sternal fractures using open and intrathoracic techniques
3. Perform pain control adjuncts
4. List potential complications after surgical stabilization of rib fractures and how to manage them

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation
American Medical Association (AMA)
Stanford Medicine designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.