We are evaluating a novel U-shaped plating system that grasps the rib anteriorly, superiorly, and posteriorly and secures the plate and rib with locking screws. The plate is half the length of our standard fixation plates thus facilitating our goal of minimally-invasive repair. A 24 year old male fractured ribs 7, 8, and 9 in a MVC. He developed symptomatic fracture non-unions confirmed by CT scan that prevented him from working. Fixation was performed at 6 months post-injury with the understanding that the procedure was of unproven benefit. Thorascopic dissection localized and exposed the non-unions. A 10 cm oblique muscle sparing incision was made externally. The fibrous capsules of the non-unions were ronguered. The plates were secured with 2 locking screws on each side of the fracture. The 7th rib proved too thick for the plate and it was therefore fixated with a standard locking plate. At 6 weeks he returned to work asymptomatic and continues to work 6 months post-op. Thorascopic-assisted rib fracture repair can be accomplished without morbidity. The U-shaped plate may prove to be a major technological advance toward minimally-invasive rib fracture repair.