Chest wall injuries can make it hard for you to breathe, move, and or go about your daily routine. That’s why you need a team that understands every aspect of chest wall injury and recovery. At WMCHealth, our Center for Thoracic Trauma provides expert, compassionate care for both sudden and long-term conditions.
As the first Chest Wall Injury Society Collaborative Center in New York State, and one of only two statewide, WMCHealth leads the region in advanced chest wall reconstruction. Our specialists use minimally invasive and hybrid techniques designed to reduce pain and speed recovery. Our depth and breadth of expertise are also reflected in our team-based approach to care.
Thoracic Trauma Conditions Treated at WMCHealth
At WMCHealth, we treat the full spectrum of chest wall conditions, including minor fractures and complex problems that affect your breathing and comfort:
- Sternal fractures
- Diaphragm injuries
- Rib fractures and flail chest
- Nonunion and malunion injuries
- Trapped lung from hemothorax
- Cartilage disorders, including slipping rib syndrome
Many people come to us for second opinions or ongoing pain after an earlier injury. No matter why you come to us, we focus on finding the cause of your symptoms and creating the best plan for recovery.
Ilya Shnaydman
Surgery, Thoracic Trauma, Trauma Surgery
Locations:
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100 Woods Road ACP 3rd Floor
Valhalla, NY 10595
WMCHealth Provider
Jordan Kirsch
Surgical Critical Care, Trauma Surgery, Thoracic Trauma
Locations:
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100 Woods Road ACP 3rd Floor
Valhalla, NY 10595
WMCHealth Provider
Amanda Carlson
General Surgery, Thoracic Trauma, Trauma Surgery
Locations:
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100 Woods Road Ambulatory Care Pavilion, 3rd Floor
Valhalla, NY 10595
WMCHealth Provider
Thoracic Trauma Treatment Capabilities
We provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, creating a plan that fits your specific needs and recovery goals. Most rib fractures heal on their own, but when surgery is needed, our team offers some of the most advanced options in the region.
Our leading-edge treatment options include:
- Surgical stabilization of rib and sternal fractures (SSRF/SSF) using minimally invasive, camera-assisted techniques that reduce pain and shorten recovery time.
- Rib plates made of thin titanium to stabilize fractures and support healing. These plates sit flush against the bone and rarely need removal after recovery.
- Muscle-sparing approaches that avoid cutting major chest muscles whenever possible, helping you regain strength faster.
- Integrated pain management, including nerve freezing (cryoablation), nerve blocks, and pain catheters placed during surgery for longer-lasting relief.
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with severe lung injuries, allowing surgery even when breathing support is needed.
Most patients go home within a few days after surgery, depending on the extent of injury and overall recovery progress. These approaches help lower complication risks and support a faster return to work and everyday activities.
Advanced Technology for Precise Chest Wall Repair
At WMCHealth, the Center for Thoracic Trauma incorporates innovative technology into your treatment plan:
- Advanced imaging supports surgical planning and helps guide precise, minimally invasive repair.
- Augmented reality helps surgeons locate fractures beneath the skin before making an incision, allowing smaller, more precise procedures.
- 3D modeling and custom implants are designed to match your anatomy for a natural fit and long-term comfort.
Our Team-based Approach to Thoracic Trauma
At WMCHealth, your care is never handled by one specialist alone. In addition to our trauma surgeons, you’ll receive care from:
- Acute and chronic pain specialists who provide nerve blocks, cryoablation, and ongoing pain management.
- Respiratory therapists who help you breathe deeply and prevent pneumonia.
- Physical and occupational therapists who guide safe movement and rehabilitation.
- Radiology partners who provide advanced imaging for surgical planning.
Our specialists stay connected throughout your recovery, helping you breathe easier, manage pain sooner, and recover more fully.
Advancing Patient Care Through the Chest Wall Injury Society
When you choose WMCHealth, you benefit from care shaped by national research and collaboration. Our Center for Thoracic Trauma is the first Chest Wall Injury Collaborative Center in New York State and serves as a primary investigator site for multi-center clinical trials through the Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS).
Through this collaboration, our specialists exchange data and expertise with other leading centers nationwide. That means you gain access to the latest surgical techniques, proven technologies, and continuously improving outcomes in chest wall reconstruction.