Management and Complications of Rib Fractures in Older Adults

Abstract Thoracic injury is the second-leading cause of trauma-related death. The growing elderly population is at high risk for injury to the thorax as a result of falling from standing and sustaining rib fractures and associated pneumothorax and hemothorax. The elderly patients with rib fractures are challenging therapeutic dilemmas for the trauma surgeon. We provide a summary of the current literature surrounding thoracic trauma in the elderly population. Further, we describe best practices for selection of patients for hospital admission, pain control, and surgical repair. Finally, we describe programs for injury prevention, which may be the key to providing optimal care for our aging population.
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research