Long-term follow-up after rib fixation for flail chest and multiple rib fractures.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Rib fixation for flail chest has been shown to improve in-hospital outcome, but little is known about treatment for multiple rib fractures and long-term outcome is scarce. The aim of this study was to describe the safety, long-term quality of life, and implant-related irritation after rib fixation for flail chest and multiple rib fractures.

Methods

All adult patients with blunt thoracic trauma who underwent rib fixation for flail chest or multiple rib fractures between January 2010 and December 2016 in our level 1 trauma facility were retrospectively included. In-hospital characteristics and implant removal were obtained via medical records and long-term quality of life was assessed over the telephone.

Results

Of the 864 patients admitted with ≥ 3 rib fracture

SUBMITTER: Beks RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6689022 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature