Fig. 1

A The specialized instruments and the reverse memory alloy rib plate for complete VATS. ① Curving shape electro-hook, ② curving sucker, ③ puncture reduction hook, ④ “peach shape” reduction forceps, ⑤ thoracoscopic rib plate placement instrument, ⑥ reverse memory alloy rib plate. B A 26-year-old male patient was injured in a traffic accident. The fractures of ribs third, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and 12th on the left side were revealed by chest CT and 3D reconstruction. The fractures of the sixth, eighth, and ninth ribs were obviously dislocated. Single-operation-port complete VATS for internal fixation of rib fracture was performed on the third day after chest trauma. C The sixth rib fracture, which was obviously displaced and punctured the pleura, was observed by thoracoscopy. D The sixth rib fracture was completely reduced. E A reverse memory alloy rib plate fixed the fractured sixth rib at the periosteum of the rib’s internal cortex. F Postoperative chest radiography showed that the sixth, eighth, and ninth ribs were completely reduced, and the rib plates were firmly fixed