Non-union in rib fractures is not common. The case presented suggests that it requires an unusual circumstance, such as the occurrence of dense adhesions between one portion of the chest wall and the adjacent fragments, to produce sufficient excursion of the fragments to result in non-union. In this case tibial bone grafts assisted in securing union, although two operations were required to obtain union of all three fractures. A plaster cast about the trunk is probably advisable after this type of surgery to assist in securing some restriction of trunk, if not thoracic, motion.