Rib fixation in patients with severe rib fractures and pulmonary contusions: Is it safe?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulmonary contusion has been considered a contraindication to surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRFs). This study aimed to evaluate the association between pulmonary contusion severity and outcomes after SSRF. We hypothesized that outcomes would be worse in patients who undergo SSRF compared with nonoperative management, in presence of varying severity of pulmonary contusions.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adults with three or more displaced rib fractures or flail segment. Patients were divided into those who underwent SSRF versus those managed nonoperatively. Severity of pulmonary contusions was assessed using the Blunt Pulmonary Contusion 18 (BPC18) score. Outcomes (pneumonia, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation days, intensive care u

SUBMITTER: Van Wijck SFM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9671593 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature