Long-term outcome after surgical management of symptomatic non-union rib fractures

Chest wall injuries with rib fractures are common in thoracic trauma [1] and are generally managed with pain control and physiotherapy although extensive injuries with multiple displaced fractures or flail chest may require surgery [2,3]. Rib fractures can also occur due to repeatedly induced stress through coughing causing injury in the greater curvature of the rib [4] and the costochondral junction [5,6], the most vulnerable parts of the rib. Risk factors for cough-induced rib fractures are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and medication with corticosteroids [7 –9].
Source: Injury - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research