Although nonoperative management is the mainstay for rib fracture treatment, surgical stabilization of rib fractures is becoming more common. Recently, the number of high-quality studies on management of rib fractures has also increased. The primary purpose of this review is to analyze the currently available prospective randomized studies on the management of rib fractures. In addition, we will summarize both short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with rib fractures.