Analysis of blunt chest trauma with rib fractures

Abstract

We reviewed 167 cases of rib fracture following blunt chest trauma between January 2009 and December 2011. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 97 years, with an average age of 60.1, and they were predominantly male. The major causes of blunt chest trauma were traffic accidents in 66 cases (39.6%), falls in 43 cases (25.7%), and falling down in 43 cases (25.7%). The average number of fractured ribs was 3.3. Multiple rib fractures were observed in 72.3%of patients, and bilateral ones in 7.8%. Injuries other than rib fractures were involved in all patients who suffered over 7 rib fractures. There were 9 death cases. Excluding one patient who died of pneumonia 62 days after trauma, 8 patients died within 48 hours: 7 in a shock state and 1 in cardiac pulmonary arrest on arrival. More than half of the patients with rib fractures were hospitalized. As over 60%of them suffered extrathoracic injuries, treatments by other department doctors were needed as well as by thoracic surgeons. For the better establishment of an emergency system, closer communication is essential between people involved, such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics.