Fixation of flail chest or multiple rib fractures: current evidence and how to proceed. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to present current evidence on rib fixation and to compare effect estimates obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched on June 16th 2017 for both RCTs and observational studies comparing rib fixation versus nonoperative treatment. The MINORS criteria were used to assess study quality. Where possible, data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was mortality. Secondary outcome measures were hospital length of stay (HLOS), intensive care unit length of stay (ILOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), pneumonia, and tracheostomy.

Results

Thirty-three studies were included re

SUBMITTER: Beks RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6689030 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature