Rib fracture: Difference between revisions
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=Background= | =Background= | ||
[[File:multipleribfractures.png|thumbnail|Multiple Right sided rib fractures]] | |||
*Diagnostic goal: detect commonly associated conditions: hemopneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, intra-abdominal injury, major vascular injury | *Diagnostic goal: detect commonly associated conditions: hemopneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, intra-abdominal injury, major vascular injury | ||
*Pediatrics: <2 years old with >2 rib fractures = 50% mortality | *Pediatrics: <2 years old with >2 rib fractures = 50% mortality | ||
Revision as of 19:02, 7 November 2014
Background
- Diagnostic goal: detect commonly associated conditions: hemopneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, intra-abdominal injury, major vascular injury
- Pediatrics: <2 years old with >2 rib fractures = 50% mortality
- Ribs more flexible in children, so fractures require extreme force
- Elderly: double the mortality of younger patients
Diagnosis
- Chest x-ray
- 1st & 2nd rib fractures associated with severe chest trauma and underlying injury
- 9th, 10th, 11th rib fractures associated with intra-abdominal injury
Disposition
- Strongly consider admission for more than one rib fracture in elderly patient or patient with preexisting pulmonary disease
- Difficult for these patients to cough / clear secretions
- If discharged:
- Teach how to splint and cough
- Be liberal with pain medicine
- Encourage incentive spirometer or tell to blow up balloons
- Discourage rib belts or straps
See Also
Source
- Tintinanlli