Early fixation versus conservative therapy of multiple, simple rib fractures (FixCon): protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Nonoperative treatment of multiple rib fractures, the results to beat: International multicenter prospective cohort study among 845 patients

BACKGROUND

Optimal treatment (i.e., nonoperative or operative) for patients with multiple rib fractures remains debated. Studies that compare treatments are rationalized by the alleged poor outcomes of nonoperative treatment.

METHODS

The aim of this prospective international multicenter cohort study (between January 2018 and March 2021) with 1-year follow-up, was to report contemporary outcomes of nonoperatively treated patients with multiple rib fractures. Including 845 patients with three or more rib fractures. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (HLOS), (pulmonary) complications, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Mean age was 57.7 ± 17.0 years, median Injury Severity Score was 17 (13-22) and the median number of rib fractures was 6 (4-8). In-hospital mortality rate was 1.5% (n = 13), 112 (13.3%) patients had pneumonia and four (0.5%) patients developed a symptomatic nonunion. The median HLOS was 7 days (4-13 days), and median intensive care unit length of stay was 2 days (1-5 days). Mean 5-Level Quality of Life Questionnaire index value was 0.83 ± 0.18 1 year after trauma. Polytrauma patients had a median HLOS of 10 days (6-18 days), a pneumonia rate of 17.6% (n = 77) and mortality rate of 1.7% (n = 7). Elderly patients (≥65 years) had a median HLOS of 9 days (5-15 days), a pneumonia rate of 19.7% (n = 57) and mortality rate of 4.1% (n = 12).

CONCLUSION

Overall, nonoperative treatment of patients with multiple rib fractures shows low mortality and morbidity rate and good quality of life after 1 year. Future studies evaluating the benefit of operative stabilization should use contemporary outcomes to establish the therapeutic margin of rib fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Radiographic rib fracture nonunion and association with fracture classification in adults with multiple rib fractures without flail segment: A multicenter prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Rib fracture nonunion is a probable cause of chronic pain following chest trauma, although its prevalence remains unknown. The aims of this study were to determine rib fracture nonunion prevalence following nonoperative management and to determine if presence of nonunion was associated with the number of rib fractures, or the rib fracture classification of anatomical location, type, and displacement.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study included trauma patients with three or more fractured ribs but without a flail segment, who participated in the nonoperative management group of the FixCon trial between January 2019 and June 2022. The number and classification of rib fractures were assessed on trauma chest CT. Chest CTs conducted six months post-trauma were evaluated for the presence of nonunion. Radiological characteristics of nonunions were compared with normally healed rib fractures using the Mann-Whitney U, χ2 test, and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A generalized linear model adjusted for multiple observations per patient when assessing the associations between nonunion and fracture characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients were included with 561 post-traumatic fractures in 429 ribs. Chest CT after six months revealed nonunions in 67 (12 %) rib fractures in 29 (43 %) patients with a median of 2 (P25-P75 1-3) nonunions per patient. Nonunion was most commonly observed in ribs seven to 10 (20-23 %, p < 0.001, adjusted p = 0.006). Nonunion occurred in 14 (5 %) undisplaced, 22 (19 %) offset, and 20 (23 %) displaced rib fractures (p < 0.001). No statistically significant association between rib fracture type and nonunion was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-three percent of patients with multiple rib fractures had radiographic nonunion six months after trauma. Fractures in ribs seven to 10 and dislocated fractures had an increased risk of rib fracture nonunion.

Incidence of surgical rib fixation at chest wall injury society collaborative centers and a guide for expected number of cases (CWIS-CC1)

PURPOSE

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) improves outcomes in certain patient populations. The Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS) began a new initiative to recognize centers who epitomize their mission as CWIS Collaborative Centers (CWIS-CC). We sought to describe incidence and epidemiology of SSRF at our institutions.

METHODS

A retrospective registry evaluation of all patients (age > 15 years) treated at international trauma centers from 1/1/20 to 7/30/2021 was performed. Variables included: age, gender, mechanism of injury, injury severity score, abbreviated injury severity score (AIS), emergency department disposition, length of stay, presence of rib/sternal fractures, and surgical stabilization of rib/sternal fractures. Classification and regression tree analysis (CART) was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 9 centers, 26,084 patient encounters. Rib fractures were present in 24% (n = 6294). Overall, 2% of all patients underwent SSRF and 8% of patients with rib fractures underwent SSRF. CART analysis of SSRF by AIS-Chest demonstrated a difference in management by age group. AIS-Chest 3 had an SSRF rate of 3.7, 7.3, and 12.9% based on the age ranges (16-19; 80-110), (20-49; 70-79), and (50-69), respectively (p = 0.003). AIS-Chest > 3 demonstrated an SSRF rate of 9.6, 23.3, and 39.3% for age ranges (16-39; 90-99), (40-49; 80-89), and (50-79), respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Anticipated rate of SSRF can be calculated based on number of rib fractures, AIS-Chest, and age. The disproportionate rate of SSRF in patients age 50-69 with AIS-Chest 3 and age 50-79 with AIS-Chest > 3 should be further investigated, as lower frequency of SSRF in the other age ranges may lead to care inequalities.

Rib Fixation for Multiple Rib Fractures: Healthcare Professionals Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Clinical Implementation

BACKGROUND

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is associated with improved respiratory symptoms and shorter intensive care admission in patients with flail chest. For multiple rib fractures, the benefit of SSRF remains a topic of debate. This study investigated barriers and facilitators of healthcare professionals to SSRF as treatment for multiple traumatic rib fractures.

METHODS

Dutch healthcare professionals were asked to complete an adapted version of the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations questionnaire to identify barriers and facilitators of SSRF. If ≥ 20% of participants responded negatively, the item was considered a barrier, and if ≥ 80% responded positively, the item was considered a facilitator.

RESULTS

Sixty-one healthcare professionals participated; 32 surgeons, 19 non-surgical physicians, and 10 residents. The median experience was 10 years (P₂₅-P₇₅ 4-12). Sixteen barriers and two facilitators for SSRF in multiple rib fractures were identified. Barriers included lack of knowledge, experience, evidence on (cost-)effectiveness, and the implication of more operations and higher medical costs. Facilitators were the assumption that SSRF alleviates respiratory problems and the feeling that surgeons are supported by colleagues for SSRF. Non-surgeons and residents reported more and several different barriers than surgeons (surgeons: 14; non-surgical physicians: 20; residents: 21; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

For adequate implementation of SSRF in patients with multiple rib fractures, implementation strategies should address the identified barriers. Especially, improved clinical experience and scientific knowledge of healthcare professionals, and high-level evidence on the (cost-) effectiveness of SSRF potentially increase its use and acceptance.

Early surgical stabilization of rib fractures for flail chest is associated with improved patient outcomes: An ACS-TQIP review

BACKGROUND

Rib fractures are a common in thoracic trauma. Increasingly, patients with flail chest are being treated with surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF). We performed a retrospective review of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database to determine if there was a difference in outcomes between patients undergoing early SSRF (≤3 days) versus late SSRF (>3 days).

METHODS

Patients with flail chest in Trauma Quality Improvement Program were identified by CPT code, assessing those who underwent SSRF between 2017 and 2019. We excluded those younger than 18 years and Abbreviated Injury Scale head severity scores greater than 3. Patients were grouped based on SSRF before and after hospital Day 3. These patients were case matched based on age, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale head and chest, body mass index, Glasgow Coma Scale, and five modified frailty index. All data were examined using χ2, one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher's exact test within SPSS version 28.0.

RESULTS

For 3 years, 20,324 patients were noted to have flail chest, and 3,345 (16.46%) of these patients underwent SSRF. After case matching, 209 patients were found in each group. There were no significant differences between reported major comorbidities. Patients with early SSRF had fewer unplanned intubations (6.2% vs. 12.0%; p = 0.04), fewer median ventilator days (6 days Q1: 3 to Q3: 10.5 vs. 9 Q1: 4.25 to Q3: 14; p = 0.01), shorter intensive care unit length of stay (6 days Q1: 4 to Q3: 11 vs. 11 Q1: 6 to Q3: 17; p < 0.01), and hospital length of stay (15 days Q1: 11.75 to Q3: 22.25 vs. 20 Q1: 15.25 - Q3: 27, p < 0.01. Early plating was associated with lower rates of deep vein thrombosis and ventilator-acquired pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

In trauma-accredited centers, patients with flail chest who underwent early SSRF (<3 days) had better outcomes, including fewer unplanned intubations, decreased ventilator days, shorter intensive care unit LOS and HLOS, and fewer DVTs, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Comprehensive Review of Current Pain Management in Rib Fractures With Practical Guidelines for Clinicians

Rib fractures are present in 15% of all traumas and 60% of patients with chest traumas. Rib fractures are not life-threatening in isolation, but they can be quite painful which leads to splinting and compromise of respiratory function. Splinting limits the ability of a patient to take a deep breath, which leads to atelectasis, atelectasis to poor secretion removal, and poor secretion removal leads to pneumonia. Pneumonia is the common pathway to respiratory failure in patients with rib fractures. It is noted that in the elderly, each rib fracture increases developing pneumonia by 27% and the risk of dying by 19%. From a public health perspective, rib fractures have long-term implications with only 59% of patients returning to work at 6 months. In this review we will examine the state of art as it currently exists with regard to the management of pain associated with rib fractures. Included in this overview will be a brief review of the anatomy of the thorax and some important physiologic concepts, the latest trends in pharmacologic and noninvasive means of managing rib pain, a special section on epidural anesthesia, some other alternative invasive methods of pain control, and a review of the recent literature on rib plating. Finally, a practical, easy to follow guideline, to manage the patient with pain from rib fractures will be presented.

Open reduction internal fixation of rib fractures: a biomechanical comparison between the RibLoc U Plus® system and anterior plate in rib implants

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we assessed the bending strength of two surgical repairs of rib fracture using RibLoc^® U Plus system made by Acute Innovations and the anterior plate by Synthes.

METHODS

After a rib fracture was created in seven pairs of cadaveric rib specimens, one side was repaired with the anterior plate and the other side repaired with the RibLoc U Plus^® plate. Each of the rib is loaded using a custom device over 360,000 bending cycles to simulate in vivo fatiguing related to respiration. Upon completion of the cyclic loading, the specimens were compressively loaded to failure and the failure bending moment was determined.

RESULTS

The ribs repaired with the RibLoc U Plus^® system showed 79% higher failure bending moment than that of the anterior plate, with a p value of 0.033. The ribs repaired with RibLoc U Plus^® showed a trend of less stiffness reduction over the 360,000 loading cycles.

CONCLUSION

The biomechanical study showed that the RibLoc U Plus^® system is stronger in the bending moment loading of repaired ribs, possibly due to the U-shape structure supporting both the inner and outer cortices of a repaired rib.

Evaluation of surgical outcomes in elderly patients with rib fractures: A single-centre propensity score matching study

Background

Rib fractures are the most common injuries in chest trauma. Compared with younger patients, elderly patients with rib fracture have a higher incidence of complications and mortality. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of internal fixation compared with conservative treatment on the outcome of rib fracture in elderly patients.

Material and methods

We used a 1:1 propensity score matching method to perform a retrospective analysis of 703 elderly patients with rib fractures treated in the Thoracic Surgery Department of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between 2013 and 2020. After matching, the length of hospital stay, death, symptom relief and rib fracture healing were compared between the surgery and the control group.

Results

The study included 121 patients receiving SSRF in the surgery group and 121 patients receiving conservative treatment in the control group. The length of hospital stay in the surgery group was significantly longer than that in the conservative group (11.39d vs. 9.48d, p = 0.000). After 9 months of follow-up, the fracture healing rate in the surgery group was significantly higher than that in the control group (96.67% vs. 88.89%, p = 0.020). The fracture healing time (p = 0.000), improvement in pain score (p = 0.000) and duration of pain medication use (p = 0.000) were also significantly better in the surgery group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Compared with conservative treatment, surgical treatment can prolong hospital stay to some extent. However, it has the advantages of more rapid healing and lessened pain. For rib fractures in elderly individuals, surgical treatment is a safe and effective option under strict surgical indications and is recommended.

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures versus nonoperative treatment in patients with multiple rib fractures following cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An international, retrospective matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

The presence of six or more rib fractures or a displaced rib fracture due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been associated with longer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Evidence on the effect of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) following CPR is limited. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes after SSRF versus nonoperative management in patients with multiple rib fractures after CPR.

METHODS

An international, retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent SSRF or nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2020. Patients who underwent SSRF were matched to nonoperative controls by cardiac arrest location and cause, rib fracture pattern, and age. The primary outcome was ICU LOS.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine operatively treated patient were matched to 66 nonoperatively managed controls with comparable CPR-related characteristics. Patients who underwent SSRF more often had displaced rib fractures (n = 28 [72%] vs. n = 31 [47%]; p = 0.015) and a higher median number of displaced ribs (2 [P 25 -P 75 , 0-3] vs. 0 [P 25 -P 75 , 0-3]; p = 0.014). Surgical stabilization of rib fractures was performed at a median of 5 days (P 25 -P 75 , 3-8 days) after CPR. In the nonoperative group, a rib fixation specialist was consulted in 14 patients (21%). The ICU LOS was longer in the SSRF group (13 days [P 25 -P 75 , 9-23 days] vs. 9 days [P 25 -P 75 , 5-15 days]; p = 0.004). Mechanical ventilator-free days, hospital LOS, thoracic complications, and mortality were similar.

CONCLUSION

Despite matching, those who underwent SSRF over nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR had more severe consequential chest wall injury and a longer ICU LOS. A benefit of SSRF on in-hospital outcomes could not be demonstrated. A low consultation rate for rib fixation in the nonoperative group indicates that the consideration to perform SSRF in this population might be associated with other nonradiographic or injury-related variables.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Surgical Rib Fixation in Obese Patients with Isolated Flail Chest Improves Outcomes: A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with adverse outcomes after major operations. The role of operative rib fixation (RF) in obese patients with flail chest is not clear. The presence of other associated injuries may complicate the interpretation of outcomes. This study compared outcomes after RF to nonoperative management (NOM) in obese patients with isolated flail chest injury.

METHODS

Adult obese patients (BMI > 29.9) with flail chest were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database (2016-2018). Hospital transfers, death within 72 h, and extrathoracic injuries were excluded. RF patients were propensity score matched (1:2) to similar NOM patients. Multivariate regression identified independent factors predicting adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 367 patients with isolated flail chest who underwent RF were matched with 734 in the NOM group. After matching, the mortality rate was significantly lower in the RF group (1.4% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.05). RF had longer HLOS (15.7 days vs. 12.8 days; p < 0.05) and ICU LOS (10.1 days vs. 8.6 days; p < 0.05), shorter ventilator days (9.2 days vs. 11.5 days; p < 0.05), and a higher rate of venous thromboembolism (7.1% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, RF was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.27; p < 0.05). Early RF (≤ 72 h) was associated with shorter ICU stay and mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION

RF for isolated flail chest in obese patients is associated with decreased mortality and fewer ventilator days. When performed early, fixation decreases the need for prolonged ventilator use and ICU stay. A more aggressive VTE prophylaxis should be considered in patients undergoing RF.

Long term outcomes following rib fracture fixation in patients with major chest trauma

BACKGROUND

Severe chest injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical rib fixation has become a more commonplace procedure to improve chest wall mechanics, pain, and function. The aim of this study was to characterise the epidemiology and long-term functional outcomes of chest trauma patients who underwent rib fixation in a major trauma centre (MTC).

METHODOLOGY

This was a retrospective review (2014-19) of all adult patients with significant chest injury who had rib fixation surgery following blunt trauma to the chest. The primary outcome was functional recovery after hospital discharge, and secondary outcomes included length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, maximum organ support, tracheostomy insertion, ventilator days.

RESULTS

60 patients underwent rib fixation. Patients were mainly male (82%) with median age 52 (range 24-83) years, injury severity score (ISS) of 29 (21-38), 10 (4-19) broken ribs, and flail segment in 90% of patients. Forty-six patients (77%) had a good outcome (GOSE grade 6-8). Patients in the poor outcome group (23%; GOSE 1-5) tended to be older [55 (39-83) years vs. 51 (24-78); p = 0.05] and had longer length of hospital stay [42 (19-82) days vs. 24 (7-90); p<0.01]. Injury severity, rate of mechanical ventilation or organ dysfunction did not affect long term outcome. Nineteen patients (32%) were not mechanically ventilated.

CONCLUSIONS

Rib fixation was associated with good long-term outcomes in severely injured patients. Age was the only predictor of long-term outcome. The results suggest that rib fixation be considered in patients with severe chest injuries and may also benefit those who are not mechanically ventilated but are at risk of deterioration.

Does surgical fixation improve pain and quality of life in patients with non-flail rib fractures? A best evidence topic review

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘does surgical stabilization of rib fractures improve pain and quality of life in patients with non-flail rib fractures?’. Altogether >300 papers were found using the reported search, of which 6 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers were tabulated. Whilst several non-randomized cohort studies demonstrate superior pain and quality of life outcomes with surgical fixation as compared to conservative management, this is not replicated by the findings of a recent randomized trial which found worse pain, but early return to work in those treated with surgical stabilization of rib fractures. Given this, clinicians will need to carefully consider the indications for treating painful non-flail rib fractures as surgical fixation represents a reasonable treatment option in only appropriately selected candidates.

Retrospective study of consecutive rib fracture patients treated by open reduction internal fixation in a single major trauma centre, UK

INTRODUCTION

Rib fractures are a common presentation in both patients presenting with high impact poly-trauma and as a result of low energy falls in the elderly. This injury can lead to various complications including prolonged hospital admission, pneumonia, need for ventilation and in admission to intensive care unit. There is much controversy around the management of this injury in the literature, with favourable outcomes for patients treated non-operatively as well as surgically.

METHODS

We collated a database for all rib fracture fixations between 2014 and 2019 that took place at the major trauma centre in Liverpool. The decision to undergo surgical fixation was after discussion with multidisciplinary team at trauma meeting. Following British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOASTs), these injuries should ideally be operated on within 48 h.

RESULTS

Overall, a total of 220 patients were included in the study (143 male and 77 female). 142 (64%) patients were operated on within 48 h of admission. A total of 101 (45%) patients required admission to ITU. Those in the early surgical fixation group had a statistically significant decrease in their hospital length of stay (12.8 days compared to 15.5 days, p=<0.001). Mean length of ITU stay was shorter in the early surgical group with no statistical significance (p = 0.1). Those patients that required mechanical ventilation in turn stayed in hospital for a longer period compared to those who did not (p=<0.001). There is no statistical difference in survival between the 2 patient groups (p = 0.3).

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest data set published in the rib fracture fixation cohort. Our results agree with previous studies which have demonstrated that those who undergo ORIF tend require fewer days of hospital stay, less ventilatory support and overall have better outcomes in terms of pain when compared to those treated non-operatively. Our study adds that patients who receive treatment within 48-hours as per BOAST guidelines have better outcomes, specifically reducing hospital length of stay by nearly 4 days (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Early surgical fixation of rib fractures leads to significantly favoured outcomes.

VATS-assisted surgical stabilization of rib fractures in flail chest: 1-year follow-up of 105 cases

OBJECTIVES

Early surgical stabilization of flail chest has been shown to improve chest wall stability and diminish respiratory complications. The addition of video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) can diagnose and manage intrathoracic injuries and evacuate hemothorax. This study analyzed the outcome of our 7-year experience with VATS-assisted surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) for flail chest.

METHODS

From January 2013 to December 2019, all trauma patients undergoing VATS-assisted SSRF for flail chest were included. Patient characteristics and complications during 1-year follow-up were reported.

RESULTS

VATS‑assisted SSRF for flail chest was performed in 105 patients. Median age was 65 years (range 21-92). Median injury severity score was 16 (range 9-49). Hemothorax was evacuated with VATS in 80 patients (median volume 200 ml, range 25-2500). In 3 patients entrapped lung was freed from the fracture site and in 2 patients a diaphragm rupture was repaired. Median postoperative ICU admission was 2 days (range 1-41). Thirty-two patients (30%) had a post‑operative complication during admission and six patients (6%) a complication within 1 year. In-hospital mortality rate was 1%. Six patients (6%) died after discharge, due to causes unrelated to the original injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of VATS to SSRF for flail chest seems helpful to diagnose and manage intrathoracic injuries and adequately evacuate hemothorax. The majority of complications are low grade and occur during admission. Further prospective research needs to be conducted to identify potential risk factors for complications and better selection for addition of VATS to improve care in the future.

Surgical stabilization versus nonoperative treatment for flail and non-flail rib fracture patterns in patients with traumatic brain injury

Purpose

Literature on outcomes after SSRF, stratified for rib fracture pattern is scarce in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI; Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12). We hypothesized that SSRF is associated with improved outcomes as compared to nonoperative management without hampering neurological recovery in these patients.

Methods

A post hoc subgroup analysis of the multicenter, retrospective CWIS-TBI study was performed in patients with TBI and stratified by having sustained a non-flail fracture pattern or flail chest between January 1, 2012 and July 31, 2019. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation-free days and secondary outcomes were in-hospital outcomes. In multivariable analysis, outcomes were assessed, stratified for rib fracture pattern.

Results

In total, 449 patients were analyzed. In patients with a non-flail fracture pattern, 25 of 228 (11.0%) underwent SSRF and in patients with a flail chest, 86 of 221 (38.9%). In multivariable analysis, ventilator-free days were similar in both treatment groups. For patients with a non-flail fracture pattern, the odds of pneumonia were significantly lower after SSRF (odds ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.77; p = 0.013). In patients with a flail chest, the ICU LOS was significantly shorter in the SSRF group (beta, − 2.96 days; 95% CI − 5.70 to − 0.23; p = 0.034).

Conclusion

In patients with TBI and a non-flail fracture pattern, SSRF was associated with a reduced pneumonia risk. In patients with TBI and a flail chest, a shorter ICU LOS was observed in the SSRF group. In both groups, SSRF was safe and did not hamper neurological recovery.

Outcome after surgical stabilization of symptomatic rib fracture nonunion: a multicenter retrospective case series

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the long-term level of pain after surgical treatment of one or more symptomatic rib fracture nonunions. Secondary aims were to evaluate the occurrence of adverse events, satisfaction, and activity resumption. The final aim was to assess the association between pain and the presence of bridging callus at the nonunified fracture. Hypothesized was that thoracic pain would diminish after surgery.

Methods

This retrospective case series included adults who underwent surgery for a symptomatic rib fracture nonunion from three hospitals. Symptomatic nonunion was defined as persistent pain associated with nonbridging callus of ≥1 rib fractures on a chest CT scan at ≥3 months after the initial injury. Patients completed questionnaires about pain, satisfaction, and activity resumption ≥3 months postoperatively.

Results

Thirty-six patients (26 men, 10 women), with a median age of 55 (P₂₅–P₇₅ 49–62) years and 169 acute rib fractures were included. Nonunion occurred in 98 (58%) fractures of which 70 (71%) were treated surgically. After a median of 11 months (P₂₅–P₇₅ 7–21), 13 (36%) patients reported severe pain, in contrast to 26 (72%) preoperatively. Patients who underwent intercostal neurectomy or neurolysis in addition to surgical stabilization less often reported pain reduction. Twenty-six (72%) had postoperative complications, for which 12 (33%) underwent additional surgery, mostly for persistent pain. The majority (n = 27; 75%) was satisfied with their functional recovery. Of patients who had paid work pre-trauma, 65% had resumed working.

Conclusion

Most patients reported less pain and better daily functioning after surgical stabilization of symptomatic rib fracture nonunions, although causality cannot be proven with this retrospective case series. Additional intercostal nerve treatment was not associated with pain relief. Despite surgery-related complications being common, patient satisfaction was high.

Level of evidence: Level V.

Study type: Therapeutic.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00068-021-01867-x.

Long-term pulmonary function, thoracic pain, and quality of life in patients with one or more rib fractures

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcomes after rib fractures and the effect of treatment modality or chest wall injury severity on these outcomes remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the long-term pulmonary function, thoracic pain, and quality of life in patients admitted with rib fractures.

METHODS

Patients admitted with rib fractures between January 1, 2012, and December 1, 2019, were included. Data on long-term outcomes were collected during one follow-up visit. Patients were stratified by chest wall injury severity (one or two rib fractures, ≥3 rib fractures, or a flail chest) and treatment modality (surgical stabilization of rib fractures [SSRF] or nonoperative management). Multivariable analysis was performed to compare outcomes after SSRF with nonoperative treatment in patients with three or more rib fractures.

RESULTS

In total, 300 patients were included. The median follow-up was 39 months (P25-P75, 18-65 months). At follow-up, the corrected forced vital capacity returned to 84.7% (P25-P75, 74.3-93.7) and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second to 86.3% (P25-P75, 75.3-97.0) of the predicted reference values. Quality of life was determined using the Short Form-12 version 2 and EuroQoL-5D-5L. The Short Form-12 version 2 physical and mental component summary were 45 (P25-P75, 38-54) and 53 (P25-P75, 43-60), respectively. The EuroQoL-5D-5L utility score was 0.82 (P25-P75 0.66-0.92) and visual analog scale score 75 (P25-P75 70-85). This indicated a quality of life within normal population ranges. Moderate to severe thoracic pain was reported by 64 (21.3%) patients. Long-term outcomes returned to values within population ranges and were similar across chest wall injury severity and for patients treated with SSRF or nonoperatively.

CONCLUSION

While long-term pulmonary function and quality of life recover to values considered normal, subjective thoracic complaints, such as pain and dyspnea, remain frequently present following rib fractures. No effect of chest wall injury severity or treatment modality on long-term outcomes was demonstrated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level III.

Controversies in Surgery: Trauma

As care of the injured patient continues to evolve, new surgical technologies and new resuscitative therapies can change the algorithms that drive trauma care. In particular, the advent of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta has changed the way trauma surgeons treat patients in extremis. The science of resuscitation continues to evolve, leading to controversy about the optimal administration of fluid and blood products. Laparoscopy has given additional tools to the trauma surgeon to potentially avoid exploratory laparotomy, and rib fracture fixation can be beneficial in the proper patient.

What is the optimal timing to perform surgical stabilization of rib fractures?

The practice of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) for severe chest wall injury has exponentially increased over the last decade due to improved outcomes as compared to nonoperative management. However, regarding in-hospital outcomes, the ideal time from injury to SSRF remains a matter of debate. This review aims to evaluate and summarize currently available literature related to timing of SSRF. Nine studies on the effect of time to SSRF were identified. All were retrospective comparative studies with no detailed information on why patients underwent early or later SSRF. Patients underwent SSRF most often for a flail chest or ≥3 displaced rib fractures. Early SSRF (≤48-72 hours after admission) was associated with shorter hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (HLOS and ICU-LOS, respectively), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), and lower rates of pneumonia, and tracheostomy as well as lower hospitalization costs. No difference between early or late SSRF was demonstrated for mortality rate. As compared to nonoperative management, late SSRF (>3 days after admission), was associated with similar or worse in-hospital outcomes. The optimal time to perform SSRF in patients with severe chest wall injury is early (≤48-72 hours after admission) and associated with improved in-hospital outcomes as compared to either late salvage or nonoperative management. These data must however be cautiously interpreted due the retrospective nature of the studies and potential selection and attrition bias. Future research should focus on both factors and pathways that allow patients to undergo early SSRF.

Trends in incidence rate, health care use, and costs due to rib fractures in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine population-based trends in the incidence rate, health care consumption, and work absence with associated costs in patients with rib fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective nationwide epidemiologic study was performed with data from patients with one or more rib fractures presented or admitted to a hospital in the Netherlands between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 and have been registered in the Dutch Injury Surveillance System (DISS) or the Hospital Discharge Registry (HDR). Incidence rates were calculated using data from Statistics Netherlands. The associated direct health care costs, costs for lost productivity, and years lived with disability (YLD) were calculated using data from a questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the 4-year study period, a total of 32,124 patients were registered of which 19,885 (61.9%) required hospitalization with a mean duration of 7.7 days. The incidence rate for the total cohort was 47.1 per 100,000 person years and increased with age. The mean associated direct health care costs were €6785 per patient and showed a sharp increase after the age of 75 years. The mean duration of work absence was 44.2 days with associated mean indirect costs for lost productivity of €22,886 per patient. The mean YLD was 0.35 years and decreased with age.

CONCLUSION

Rib fractures are common and associated with lengthy HLOS and work absenteeism as well as high direct and indirect costs which appear to be similar between patients with one or multiple rib fractures and mostly affected by admitted patients and age.

Early Outcomes of Surgical Stabilisation of Traumatic Rib Fractures: Single-Center Review With a Real-World Evidence Perspective

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in selected trauma patients is associated with potential benefits. This study evaluates the real-world outcomes of SSRF since its implementation at Westmead Hospital, Australia. We hypothesize these outcomes to be similar to that reported by best-evidence in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data on all consecutive SSRF performed between January 2013 to December 2018 was completed.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients (54 male; average age 55.9 ± 14.1 y) with median ISS 24 (IQR 17;30) underwent SSRF. Thirty-seven patients were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with median ICU length of stay (LOS) 10.0 (5.0-17.0) d. Median hospital LOS was 15.5 (10.0-24.8) d. Fifty-five (87.3%) patients did not have any surgery-specific complications. The highest observed surgical morbidity was wound infection (n = 4, 4.7%). There was one mortality after rib fixation that was not related to surgery. SSRF within 3 d of hospital presentation in ventilated patients with flail chest was associated with significantly reduced median ICU LOS (3.0 [2.0;4.0] versus 10.0 [9.3;13.0] d; P = 0.03). Early (2013-2015) versus late (2015-2018) phase SSRF implementation demonstrated no significant difference in outcome variables.

CONCLUSION

Experience with SSRF demonstrates early outcomes similar to best-evidence in the existing literature. As a quality assurance tool, ongoing evaluation of real-world data is needed to ensure that outcomes remain consistent with benchmarks available from best-evidence.

Analysis of the therapeutic effect and prognosis in 86 cases of rib fractures and atelectasis

Background

The aim of the present study was to explore the therapeutic effect and prognosis in patients with rib fractures and atelectasis after thoracic trauma in order to provide a basis for clinical decision-making in primary hospitals.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 86 patients admitted to our hospital between January 2016 and May 2020 with rib fractures and atelectasis after thoracic trauma. On the basis of the chest computed tomography scans taken at the time of discharge, the patients were divided into two groups: the reexpansion group and the non-reexpansion group. The two groups were compared with respect to the changes observed in the patients’ levels of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulmonary function, the presence of secondary pulmonary or thoracic infection, the time of chest tube drainage, the length of hospitalization, the cost of hospitalization, and the patients’ level of satisfaction with their quality of life 3 months after discharge.

Results

In the reexpansion group, there were significant differences in the levels of SpO2 and pulmonary function measured before and after pulmonary reexpansion (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-reexpansion group, the patients in the reexpansion group had a lower incidence of secondary pulmonary and thoracic infection and a higher level of satisfaction with their quality of life after discharge; these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significance between the two groups with respect to the time of chest tube drainage or the length of hospitalization (P > 0.05). However, the cost of hospitalization was significantly higher in the reexpansion group than in the non-reexpansion group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The patients in the pulmonary reexpansion group had a lower incidence of complications and a better prognosis than the patients in the non-reexpansion group.

Race and Insurance Status are Associated With Different Management Strategies After Thoracic Trauma

INTRODUCTION

Health-care disparities based on race and socioeconomic status among trauma patients are well-documented. However, the influence of these factors on the management of rib fractures following thoracic trauma is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe the association of race and insurance status on management and outcomes in patients who sustain rib fractures.

METHODS

The Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify adult patients who presented with rib fractures between 2015 and 2016. Patient demographics, injury severity, procedures performed, and outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of race and insurance status on mortality and the likelihood of rib fixation surgery and epidural analgesia for pain management.

RESULTS

A total of 95,227 patients were identified. Of these, 2923 (3.1%) underwent rib fixation. Compared to White patients, Asians (AOR: 0.57, P = 0.001), Blacks or African-Americans (AA) (AOR: 0.70, P < 0.001), and Hispanics/Latinos (HL) (AOR: 0.78, P < 0.001) were less likely to undergo rib fixation surgery. AA patients (AOR: 0.67, P = 0.004), other non-Whites (ONW) (AOR: 0.61, P = 0.001), and HL (AOR 0.65, P = 0.006) were less likely to receive epidural analgesia. Compared to privately insured patients, mortality was higher in uninsured patients (AOR: 1.72, P < 0.001), Medicare patients (AOR: 1.80, P < 0.001), and patients with other non-private insurance (AOR: 1.23, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-White race is associated with a decreased likelihood of rib fixation and/or epidural placement, while underinsurance is associated with higher mortality in patients with thoracic trauma. Prospective efforts to examine the socioeconomic disparities within this population are warranted.

Clinical efficacy of surgical versus conservative treatment for multiple rib fractures: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

There are still controversies between surgical treatment and conservative treatment for multiple rib fractures (MRFs). No consensus has been reached concerning the indications and timing of surgery. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the optimal treatment for MRFs.

METHODS

Six databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Cnki, Wanfang Database) were retrieved for all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before January 2020. MRFs were treated either with operative reduction and internal fixation or conservative treatment. The pertinent data were retrieved. The quality of RCTs was evaluated by the modified Jadad rating scale and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs involving 538 MRFs patients (260 were treated surgically vs. 278 conservatively) were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with conservative treatment, surgical treatment resulted in shorter length of hospital stay (WMD -8.48; 95% CI -11.34 to -5.63; P < 0.001), length of ICU stay (WMD -5.72; 95% CI -7.31 to -4.13; P < 0.001) and duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD -4.93; 95% CI -8.79 to -1.07; P = 0.01), with a lower risk of complications including pneumonia (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.53; P < 0.001) and chest wall deformity (RR 0.07; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.14; P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis carried out by excluding one study with significant heterogeneity showed that the rate of tracheostomy was lower in the surgical group than in the conservative group (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.71; P = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with MRFs, surgical treatment resulted in faster recovery, a lower risk of complications and better prognosis than conservative treatment.