title: Rib Fracture Fixation: Indications and Outcomes.
abstract: Rib fractures are a frequently identified injury in the trauma population. Not only are multiple rib fractures painful, but they are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Pneumonia in particular can be devastating, especially to an elderly patient, but other complications such as prolonged ventilation and increased intensive care and hospital durations of stay have a negative impact on the patient. Computed tomography scan is the best modality to diagnosis rib fractures but the treatment of fractures is still evolving. Currently patient care involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes pain control, aggressive pulmonary therapy, and possibly surgical fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. Electronic address: lara.senekjian@hsc.utah.edu.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Senekjian
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
authors.forename: Raminder
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nirula
mesh_terms: D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Chest trauma; Flail chest; Rib fracture; Surgical fixation