Rib fractures following minor trauma in older patients: a not-so-benign injury.
Two older adults presented to the emergency department with rib fractures following minor trauma. Both were discharged on oral analgesics and died within 2 days. Rib fractures more often lead to adverse outcomes in older adults. Emergency physicians should consider admitting any such patient who presents with two or more rib fractures.
Campbell
S G
SG
Department of Emergency Medicine, New Halifax Infirmary, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Dingle
M A
MA