Emergency Department Management of Rib Fractures

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Within trauma literature, rib fractures are recognized as indicators of poor prognosis, particularly in elderly patients, patients with pathologic fractures, and patients with impending or ongoing respiratory failure as a result of their injury.
• Generally, injuries to ribs 1-3 suggest a higher-energy mechanism, because there is increased bone density and structural support.
• Most rib injuries from trauma occur in a midaxillary or posteroaxillary location.
• Stress fractures can occur in young and healthy patients from repetitive, low-impact exercise.
• Even minimal displacement from rib fractures can be associated with other injuries (lung, mediastinum, abdominal structures), and careful evaluation should be performed.