Most rib fractures heal with simple pain relief. But the most painful, complex and slow-healing injuries deserve specialist care. If you can’t sleep, can’t take a deep breath, or your pain is getting worse rather than better — you should be seen.
Recognised by all major UK health insurers
Paying for yourself? Fees are fixed and confirmed transparently when you book — no hidden extras.
Honest answer: most rib fractures heal on their own within about six weeks, and most people never need to see a surgeon. But some injuries don’t follow that path — and waiting only prolongs the pain. These are the signs yours needs expert attention.
Not sure which group you’re in? Contact the practice with a short description of your injury, and you’ll get an honest answer about whether a consultation is worthwhile.
Book a consultationSevere breathlessness, blue lips, or crushing chest pain? Call 999 or go to A&E now. This page is for planned specialist care, not emergencies.
With over 20 years at the forefront of thoracic surgery, Mr Scarci has dedicated his career to minimally invasive techniques — the keyhole approaches that mean less pain, smaller scars and faster recovery. He operates on the chest exclusively, has performed more than 5,000 minimally invasive procedures, and holds fellowships from four leading international surgical colleges.
“The goal is never just to fix the fracture. It’s to restore your quality of life and get you back to full function as quickly as possible.”
Patients come to him with complex or poorly managed rib injuries. They leave with a clear plan — and, where surgery is right for them, the confidence that it will be carried out by a highly experienced specialist.
A selection of verified patient reviews. Read them all on the testimonials page.
“Mr Scarci operated on my ribs after others had refused to. He understood my concerns and was willing to discuss the technicalities in depth, which was reassuring. He is very well versed and is sharp with his knowledge. I can’t thank him enough for resolving my long standing issue with my broken rib which required a plate fixation.”
“Mr Marco Scarci was outstanding from start to finish. Within 24 hours of the CT scan he was operating to repair my broken breastbone. His incredibly sympathetic and professional bedside manner put me at ease. I went into the theatre full of confidence and he was straight round to see me after the operation. He is the best surgeon I have encountered.”
“I had surgery at Cromwell Hospital 2 weeks ago with Mr Marco Scarci on my ribs. The staff were amazing but most of all was Mr Scarci’s confidence in what he does, which gave me so much confidence. I was out in 2 days and have already been back on the bike.”
New to private care? Here is exactly what happens — and how quickly.
Call, WhatsApp, or complete the form below. Namita, the practice manager, confirms your appointment, checks your insurance cover, and requests any existing scans so nothing is repeated unnecessarily.
Your consultation is with Mr Scarci himself — he will have reviewed your imaging before you arrive. You leave with a diagnosis, your options, and a written plan.
Further imaging is arranged promptly if needed. Whether the right answer is conservative management or surgical fixation, the reasons are explained honestly — and the decision is yours. Insurance pre-authorisation is handled for you.
Keyhole techniques where clinically appropriate, at whichever of five London hospitals suits you best. Mr Scarci performs your operation personally and follows you up directly until you are back to normal life.
Choose whichever location and clinic time suits you. Remote video consultations are available for patients unable to travel to London.
Often, no — and you’ll be told so honestly. Most single, undisplaced fractures settle with good pain control. A specialist opinion earns its place when pain is severe or worsening, breathing or sleep is affected, several ribs are involved, or the injury simply isn’t improving. If you’re unsure, describe your injury by phone or WhatsApp first.
The majority of patients seen in clinic are managed without an operation. Surgical fixation — securing the fracture with titanium plates — is reserved for cases such as displaced or multiple fractures, flail segments, fractures that have failed to unite, or pain that cannot be controlled any other way. You’ll get a clear recommendation either way, and the final decision is always yours.
If you’re insured, Mr Scarci is recognised by all major UK insurers and pre-authorisation is handled for you. If you’re paying for yourself, the consultation fee is fixed and confirmed transparently when you book — with a clear written quote before any treatment. No hidden extras.
Not if you’re paying for yourself — you can book directly. Some insurers do require a GP referral before authorising a consultation; the team will check this for you when you get in touch and guide you through it.
Most patients are seen within one week across five London locations, and urgent cases can often be accommodated sooner. Appointment confirmation happens the same working day you get in touch.
No. Fractures that have healed badly, failed to unite, or left ongoing chest wall pain can still be investigated and treated — this is one of the most common reasons patients come to the clinic. A proper assessment will establish exactly what is causing the pain and what can be done about it.
Complete the form and Namita, the practice manager, will come back to you the same working day. Prefer to talk it through first? Call or WhatsApp.
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