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Injury Aug 2021The aim of this study is to define the cost of rib fracture hospitalization by single, multiple, and flail type using a nationally representative sample.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to define the cost of rib fracture hospitalization by single, multiple, and flail type using a nationally representative sample.
METHODS
The national inpatient sample (NIS) was used to identify patients with a primary diagnosis of rib fracture hospitalization 2007-2016. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes were used to characterize patients as having single, multiple, or flail chest rib fractures. Patients with only trauma related diagnosis groups (DRG) at the time discharge were included in the final sample. The cost of hospitalization was obtained by converting reported charges into cost using the all-payer inpatient cost-to-charge ratio (CCR) for all hospitals in the NIS data. The log of cost was modeled using multivariate linear regression. The rib fracture type was the primary predictor in the model.
RESULTS
There were 373,053 rib fracture admissions during 2007-2016. The average cost per hospitalization was $10,169 (95%Confidence Interval [CI]: 9,942-10,395), which translated into a national expenditure of $3.64 billion over 10 years. The cost of rib fracture hospitalization increased from $209 million in 2007 to $469 million in 2016. Compared to single rib fracture patients, the cost of hospitalization for multiple rib fractures and flail chest was 3% (p = 0.001) and 5% (p=0.02) higher, respectively. Higher injury severity score, total number of body regions injured and longer length of stay were associated with higher rib fracture hospitalization cost.
CONCLUSIONS
Rib fractures affect ~22,000-45,000 people per year in the United States. The cost of rib fractures is over $469 million per year and is increasing over time. Multiple rib fractures and flail chest rib fractures are associated with increased cost. Pathways to improve care in patients with rib fractures should consider the cost of treatment.
Topics: Flail Chest; Hospitalization; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Length of Stay; Retrospective Studies; Rib Fractures; Spinal Fractures; United States
PubMed: 34059325
DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.05.027 -
Bone Reports Jun 2022Metaphyseal corner fractures and posterior rib fractures are thought to only occur in settings of inflicted injury. We describe a case of siblings who presented with...
PURPOSE
Metaphyseal corner fractures and posterior rib fractures are thought to only occur in settings of inflicted injury. We describe a case of siblings who presented with metaphyseal corner fractures and multiple posterior rib fractures who were later found to carry mutations, a rare cause of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) known as Bruck syndrome. This clinical presentation led to a literature review examining fracture types in OI and inflicted injury.
CASES
A 15-month-old male presented with multiple healing fractures of varying ages including posterior rib and metaphyseal corner fractures with no history of significant trauma. He had joint laxity, short stature and Wormian bones. His diagnosis of Bruck Syndrome led to investigations in his sibling at birth, which demonstrated the same fracture pattern including multiple posterior rib and metaphyseal corner fractures. They both had pathogenic compound heterozygous variants.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESULTS
We performed a literature review evaluating the fracture pattern in cases investigated for inflicted injury and found to have OI. Fourteen articles reported 78 children with OI initially diagnosed as inflicted injury. Of these children, 71 (91%) were diagnosed with milder forms of OI (Sillence type I and IV). Sixty-four children (81%) had clinical signs of OI including blue sclera, dentinogenesis imperfecta, short stature, joint laxity and limb bowing. Fifteen (19%) children had fractures of high specificity for inflicted injury including metaphyseal corner fractures and posterior rib fractures and 58 (74%) had fractures of moderate specificity for inflicted injury such as bilateral fractures and fractures of different ages.
CONCLUSION
Metaphyseal corner fractures and posterior rib fractures are highly associated with inflicted injury, but they have been reported in children with OI. Bruck syndrome, a rare and severe form of OI can present with metaphyseal and posterior rib fractures, including at birth. When features of OI are present in children with metaphyseal corner fractures and/or posterior rib fractures are present, genetic testing may be warranted.
PubMed: 35242891
DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2022.101171 -
European Journal of Trauma and... Feb 2022There is missing knowledge about the association of obesity and mortality in patients with rib fractures. Since the global measure of obesity (body mass index [BMI]) is...
BACKGROUND
There is missing knowledge about the association of obesity and mortality in patients with rib fractures. Since the global measure of obesity (body mass index [BMI]) is often unknown in trauma patients, it would be convenient to use local computed tomography (CT)-based measures (e.g., umbilical outer abdominal fat) as a surrogate. The purpose of this study was to assess (1) whether local measures of obesity and rib fractures are associated with mortality and abdominal injuries and to evaluate (2) the correlation between local and global measures of obesity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective cohort study included all inpatients with rib fractures in 2013. The main exposure variable was the rib fracture score (RFS) (number of rib fractures, uni- or bilateral, age). Other exposure variables were CT-based measures of obesity and BMI. The primary outcome (endpoint) was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome consisted of abdominal injuries. Sex and comorbidities were adjusted for with logistic regression.
RESULTS
Two hundred and fifty-nine patients (median age 55.0 [IQR 44.0-72.0] years) were analyzed. Mortality was 8.5%. RFS > 4 was associated with 490% increased mortality (OR = 5.9, 95% CI 1.9-16.6, p = 0.002). CT-based measures and BMI were not associated with mortality, rib fractures or injury of the liver. CT-based measures of obesity showed moderate correlations with BMI (e.g., umbilical outer abdominal fat: r = 0.59, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
RFS > 4 was an independent risk factors for increased mortality. Local and global measures of obesity were not associated with mortality, rib fractures or liver injuries. If the BMI is not available in trauma patients, CT-based measures of obesity may be considered as a surrogate.
Topics: Abdominal Injuries; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Middle Aged; Obesity; Retrospective Studies; Rib Fractures; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 32892237
DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01483-1 -
Journal of Applied Biomaterials &... 2022The study was carried out to explore the biomechanical properties of embracing and non-embracing rib plates. Forty-eight adult cadaver rib specimens were divided...
The study was carried out to explore the biomechanical properties of embracing and non-embracing rib plates. Forty-eight adult cadaver rib specimens were divided randomly into six groups: three fixation model groups were made using embracing plates (two pairs of equals on both sides of the broken end), and the other three groups were fixed with a pre-shaped anatomical plate (three locking screws on each side of the end were equally spaced). The biomechanical properties of these models were analyzed using non-destructive three-point bending tests, non-destructive torsion experiments, and destructive axial compression tests. In this study, the gap of fracture ends was widened in embracing plate group in the non-destructive three-point bending experiment. No change in the fracture ends was detected in the pre-shaped anatomical plate group. The bending stress of the pre-shaped anatomical plate group was significantly enhanced at the 2-12 mm displacement points (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in torque noticed between the two groups in the torsion experiment (p = 0.082). In the destructive axial compression experiment, the load index of the two groups were higher than the normal physiological load, suggesting that both materials could provide sufficient strength for rib fractures. The pre-shaped anatomical plate displayed more reliable attachment in terms of stability, bending, and load. Our results indicated that the embracing plate has the advantage of fretting at the fracture end.
Topics: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Bone Plates; Cadaver; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Ribs
PubMed: 35588289
DOI: 10.1177/22808000221099132 -
Cureus Dec 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate rib fracture-related complications in blunt chest traumas.
AIM
The aim of this study was to evaluate rib fracture-related complications in blunt chest traumas.
METHODOLOGY
The study included a cohort of 132 male and 42 female patients, aged between 22 and 89 years, all diagnosed with rib fractures subsequent to blunt chest trauma. The data collection period extended from November 2017 to November 2019. Pulmonary complications, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, flail chest, and the need for mechanical ventilator support, were retrospectively evaluated based on age, gender, trauma history, bilateral fractures, the number of fractured ribs, and concomitant traumas in other systems. Patients with one or two fractured ribs were included in Group 1, while those with three or more rib fractures were in Goup 2.
RESULTS
Patients in Group 2 (n=82) had a significantly higher mean age and complication rate compared to patients in Group 1 (56.24 vs. 51.08; p: 0.033; p=0.000). Falls from height were the most common trauma history. The most frequently broken ribs were the fifth right (n=35) and the ninth right ribs (n=35), followed by the seventh right (n=33) and the seventh left rib (n=32) in order. Pneumothorax was diagnosed in 60 patients (34.4%), hemothorax in 48 patients (27.5%), and pulmonary contusion in 22 patients (12.6%). Seven patients had a flail chest (4.0%) and four required mechanical ventilation support. The number of male patients was significantly higher (p=0.000). Motor vehicle accidents were most correlated with complications in trauma history (p=0.002). Elderly age, bilateral fractures, three or more fractured ribs, and the mechanism of trauma were significantly correlated with complications (p < 0.05). The mortality rate was 0%.
CONCLUSION
Three or more fractured ribs, bilateral fractures, and high-energy traumas are important risk factors, particularly in the elderly population. For patients meeting these criteria, hospitalization and careful observation are recommended.
PubMed: 38186497
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50060 -
Chinese Journal of Traumatology =... Nov 2021Rib fracture is the most common injury in chest trauma. Most of patients with rib fractures were treated conservatively, but up to 50% of patients, especially those with... (Review)
Review
Rib fracture is the most common injury in chest trauma. Most of patients with rib fractures were treated conservatively, but up to 50% of patients, especially those with combined injury such as flail chest, presented chronic pain or chest wall deformities, and more than 30% had long-term disabilities, unable to retain a full-time job. In the past two decades, surgery for rib fractures has achieving good outcomes. However, in clinic, there are still some problems including inconsistency in surgical indications and quality control in medical services. Before the year of 2018, there were 3 guidelines on the management of regional traumatic rib fractures were published at home and abroad, focusing on the guidance of the overall treatment decisions and plans; another clinical guideline about the surgical treatment of rib fractures lacks recent related progress in surgical treatment of rib fractures. The Chinese Society of Traumatology, Chinese Medical Association, and the Chinese College of Trauma Surgeons, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts from cardiothoracic surgery, trauma surgery, acute care surgery, orthopedics and other disciplines to participate together, following the principle of evidence-based medicine and in line with the scientific nature and practicality, formulated the Chinese consensus for surgical treatment of traumatic rib fractures (STTRF 2021). This expert consensus put forward some clear, applicable, and graded recommendations from seven aspects: preoperative imaging evaluation, surgical indications, timing of surgery, surgical methods, rib fracture sites for surgical fixation, internal fixation method and material selection, treatment of combined injuries in rib fractures, in order to provide guidance and reference for surgical treatment of traumatic rib fractures.
Topics: China; Consensus; Flail Chest; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Rib Fractures; Thoracic Injuries
PubMed: 34503907
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2021.07.012 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2022Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a pathological condition caused by a narrowing between the clavicle and first rib leading to a compression of the neurovascular bundle... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a pathological condition caused by a narrowing between the clavicle and first rib leading to a compression of the neurovascular bundle to the upper extremity. The incidence of TOS is probably nowadays underestimated because the diagnosis could be very challenging without a thorough clinical examination along with appropriate clinical testing. Beside traditional supra-, infraclavicular or transaxillary approaches, the robotic assisted first rib resection has been gaining importance in the last few years.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who underwent robotic assisted first rib resection due to TOS at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital and then we performed a narrative review of the English literature using PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Scopus.
RESULTS
Between June 2020 and November 2021, eleven robotic assisted first rib resections were performed due to TOS at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital. Median length of stay was 2 days (Standard Deviation: +/- 0.67 days). Median surgery time was 180 min (Standard Deviation: +/- 36.5). No intra-operative complications were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Robotic assisted first rib resection could represent a safe and feasible option in expert hands for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.
PubMed: 35350142
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.848972 -
Local and Regional Anesthesia 2023Rib fractures are a common sequelae of chest trauma and are associated with significant morbidity. The erector spinae nerve block (ESB) has been proposed as an... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Rib fractures are a common sequelae of chest trauma and are associated with significant morbidity. The erector spinae nerve block (ESB) has been proposed as an alternative first-line regional technique for rib fractures due to ease of administration and minimal complication profile. We aimed to investigate the current literature surrounding this topic with a focus on pain and respiratory outcomes.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed on the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Keywords of "erector spinae block" and "rib fractures" were used to form the search strategy. Papers published in English investigating ESB as an analgesic intervention for acute rib fracture were included. Exclusion criteria were operative rib fixation, or where the indication for ESB was not rib fracture.
RESULTS
There were 37 studies which met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Of these, 31 studies reported on pain outcomes and demonstrated a 40% decrease in pain scores post administration within the first 24 hours. Respiratory parameters were reported in 8 studies where an increase in incentive spirometry was demonstrated. Respiratory complication was not consistently reported. ESB was associated with minimal complications; only 5 cases of haematoma and infection were (incidence 0.6%) reported, none of which required further intervention.
DISCUSSION
Current literature surrounding ESB in rib fracture management provides a positive qualitative evaluation of efficacy and safety. Improvements in pain and respiratory parameters were almost universal. The notable outcome from this review was the improved safety profile of ESB. The ESB was not associated with complications requiring intervention even in the setting of anticoagulation and coagulopathy. There still remains a paucity of large cohort, prospective data. Moreover, no current studies reflect an improvement in respiratory complication rates compared to current techniques. Taken together, these areas should be the focus of any future research.
PubMed: 37334278
DOI: 10.2147/LRA.S414056 -
JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques 2020Rib fractures are a common thoracic injury that is encountered in 20% to 39% of patients with blunt chest trauma and is associated with substantial morbidity and...
UNLABELLED
Rib fractures are a common thoracic injury that is encountered in 20% to 39% of patients with blunt chest trauma and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, the majority of patient with rib fractures have been managed nonoperatively. Recently, the utilization of surgical stabilization of rib fractures has increased considerably because the procedure has shown improved outcomes.
DESCRIPTION
Surgical stabilization should be considered in cases of multiple bicortically displaced rib fractures, especially in those with a flail chest and/or a concomitant ipsilateral displaced midshaft clavicular fracture or sternal fracture, as such cases may result in thoracic wall instability. For surgical stabilization of rib fractures, we classify rib fractures by location, type of fracture, and degree of displacement after obtaining thin-sliced chest computed tomography (CT) scans. The incision is selected depending on the fracture location, and the surgical technique is chosen relevant to the type of fracture. Single-lung intubation is preferred if there is no severe contralateral pulmonary contusion. We favor performing video-assisted thoracoscopy if possible to control bleeding, evacuate hematomas, repair a lung, and perform cryoablation of the intercostal nerves. A lateral approach is considered to be the main surgical approach because it allows access to the majority of rib fractures. A curvilinear skin incision is made overlying the fractured ribs. Posterior rib fractures are exposed through a vertical incision within the triangle of auscultation, and anterior fractures, through a transverse inframammary incision. The muscle-sparing technique, splitting alongside fibers without transection, should be utilized if possible and supplemented by muscle retraction. For surgical stabilization of rib fractures, we currently prefer precontoured side and rib-specific plates with threaded holes and self-tapping locking screws. Polymer cable cerclage is used to enhance plating of longitudinal fractures, rib fractures near the spine, osteoporotic ribs, and injuries of rib cartilage. The third to eighth ribs are plated most often. Intercostal muscle deficit, if present, is repaired with a xenograft patch. In comminuted rib fractures, the bone gap is bridged with bone graft. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is recommended within the first 7 days after trauma, preferably within the first 3 days.
ALTERNATIVES
Nonoperative treatment alternatives include (1) epidural analgesia when not contraindicated because of anticoagulant venous thromboembolism prophylaxis; (2) thoracic paravertebral blockage, e.g., serratus anterior or erector spinae plane nerve block; (3) intercostal nerve block; (4) intravenous or enteral analgesics, e.g., opioids, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); (5) intrapleural analgesia, e.g., bupivacaine infusion; and (6) multimodal analgesia that incorporates regional techniques, systemic analgesics, and analgesic adjuncts.
RATIONALE
Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is a safe and effective method to treat displaced rib fractures. The procedure provides definitive stabilization of fractures, improves pulmonary function, lessens pain medication requirements, prevents deformity formation, and results in reduced morbidity and mortality.
PubMed: 32944413
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.19.00032 -
Journal of Anatomy May 2024Rib fractures remain the most frequent thoracic injury in motor vehicle crashes. Computational human body models (HBMs) can be used to simulate these injuries and design...
Rib fractures remain the most frequent thoracic injury in motor vehicle crashes. Computational human body models (HBMs) can be used to simulate these injuries and design mitigation strategies, but they require adequately detailed geometry to replicate such fractures. Due to a lack of rib cross-sectional shape data availability, most commercial HBMs use highly simplified rib sections extracted from a single individual during original HBM development. This study provides human rib shape data collected from chest CT scans of 240 females and males across the full adult age range. A cortical bone mapping algorithm extracted cross-sectional geometry from scans in terms of local periosteal position with respect to the central rib axis and local cortex thickness. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of these cross-sectional shape data. Linear regression found significant associations between principal component scores and subject demographics (sex, age, height, and weight) at all rib levels, and predicted scores were used to explore the expected rib cross-sectional shapes across a wide range of subject demographics. The resulting detailed rib cross-sectional shapes were quantified in terms of their total cross-sectional area and their cortical bone cross-sectional area. Average-sized female ribs were smaller in total cross-sectional area than average-sized male ribs by between 20% and 36% across the rib cage, with the greatest differences seen in the central portions of rib 6. This trend persisted although to smaller differences of 14%-29% when comparing females and males of equal intermediate weight and stature. Cortical bone cross-sectional areas were up to 18% smaller in females than males of equivalent height and weight but also reached parity in certain regions of the rib cage. Increased age from 25 to 80 years was associated with reductions in cortical bone cross-sectional area (up to 37% in females and 26% in males at mid-rib levels). Total cross-sectional area was also seen to reduce with age in females but to a lesser degree (of up to 17% in mid-rib regions). Similar regions saw marginal increases in total cross-sectional area for male ribs, indicating age affects rib cortex thickness moreso than overall rib cross-sectional size. Increased subject height was associated with increased rib total and cortical bone cross-sectional areas by approximately 25% and 15% increases, respectively, in mid-rib sections for a given 30 cm increase in height, although the magnitudes of these associations varied by sex and rib location. Increased weight was associated with approximately equal changes in both cortical bone and total cross-sectional areas in males. These effects were most prominent (around 25% increases for an addition of 50 kg) toward lower ribs in the rib cage and had only modest effects (less than 12% change) in ribs 2-4. Females saw greater increases with weight in total rib area compared to cortical bone area, of up to 21% at the eighth rib level. Results from this study show the expected shapes of rib cross-sections across the adult rib cage and across a broad range of demographics. This detailed geometry can be used to produce accurate rib models representing widely varying populations.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ribs; Thorax; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Linear Models; Cortical Bone
PubMed: 38200705
DOI: 10.1111/joa.13999