An analysis of 212 cases of rib fractures due to blunt thoracic trauma

PURPOSE. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the role of rib fractures for the outcome in blunt chest trauma, to examine the mortality rate and the need of hospitalization of patients underwent blunt thoracic trauma. METHODS. 212 patients with fractured ribs after blunt thoracic trauma were included in the study. The mechanism of trauma, the number of fractured ribs; the type of associated thoracic injuries and the mortality rate were analyzed. RESULTS. The patients were divided in two groups according to the number of fractured ribs-group 1-patients with up to two fractured ribs- 72 patients/33,9%/, and group 2- with three or more fractured ribs-140 patients /66,1%/. The number of associated chest injuries was significantly higher in the second group- in 133 patients/95%/.The mortality rate was 16,9% /36 patients/.The mortality rate was significantly higher for the group of patients at the age above 65 years and for the group of patients with multiple/≥3/ rib fractures. CONCLUSIONS. Our study confirms the role of rib fractures as a marker of severity in cases of blunt chest trauma patients.