Medical management of rib fractures

Abstract

Rib fractures are reported in at least 10% of all trauma admissions. The associated morbidity and mortality worsen with advanced age and increasing number of rib fractures. In this population, the risk of nosocomial pneumonia has been documented to be as high as 29%. The utilization of clinical care pathways results in favorable outcomes. Despite this evidence, the medical management of rib fractures is yet to be truly standardized. At the core of recommended clinical care pathways is the identification of high-risk patients, appropriate patient disposition, multimodal pain control, aggressive pulmonary care, nutritional support, and early mobilization.