Scoring systems of blunt thoracic trauma and rib fractures

Abstract

Chest wall injuries represent a diverse group of pathologies. A standardized, organized approach to their description is imperative to facilitating communication, education, and selection of therapies. This chapter reviews the theoretical considerations of a scoring system, currently available chest wall injury scoring systems, and important considerations for the development of the next generation of such systems. Regardless of which system is used, clinicians are encouraged to routinely calculate and report chest wall injury scores in order to foster a culture of both standardization and rigorous outcome assessment.