Contemporary and Future Perspectives on Thoracic Trauma Care: Surgical Stabilization, Multidisciplinary Approaches, and the Role of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Thoracic trauma remains a leading cause of trauma-related illness and death. Despite advances in imaging, ventilation strategies, and surgical fixation, its management remains a topic of debate, with varying practices across hospitals. Current Gaps: Although surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has shown a mortality benefit in cases of flail chest and in elderly patients, its indications for non-flail cases remain uncertain. Analgesia strategies are evolving, and epidural remains the gold standard; however, it is limited by contraindications. In contrast, regional blocks, such as the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), are emerging as safer alternatives to opioid and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming imaging interpretation and risk stratification; however, its integration into daily trauma care is still in its early stages of development. Perspective: This article examines the integration of surgical innovation, regional anesthesia, and AI-powered diagnostics as integral components of future thoracic trauma care. We emphasize the importance of standardized surgical criteria, multimodal pain management approaches, and AI-assisted decision-making tools. Conclusions: Thoracic trauma care is shifting toward a personalized, multidisciplinary, and technology-enhanced approach. Incorporating evidence-based SSRF, advanced pain management techniques, and AI-supported imaging can help reduce mortality, enhance recovery, and optimize resource utilization.