Epidemiology
Because most fractures are associated with high-energy trauma, their incidence is directly related to the overall numbers of blunt thoracic trauma in a particular region. About 10% to 55% of those sustaining blunt thoracic trauma sustain a rib fracture, with an increase in incidence due to increasing age.[1] Among infants younger than 12 months presenting with rib fractures, as many as 82% sustained these injuries non-accidentally (i.e., through physical abuse).[2][3]
As age increases, the absolute risk of sustaining a fragility fracture is inversely proportional to the patient's bone mineral density, with about 27% of these fractures occurring in the ribs.[4] Additionally, the number of older adults with rib fractures associated with falls is expected to increase as the overall age of the population continues to rise.[5] Patients older than 65 years have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in the setting of multiple rib fractures compared with younger people.[6][7]
Pneumothorax occurs in about 14% to 37% of patients with rib fractures, hemopneumothorax in 20% to 27%, pulmonary contusions in 17%, and a flail chest in up to 6%.[8][9][10]
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: CT scan showing large left-sided pneumothoraxFrom the collection of Dr Paul Novakovich; used with permission [Citation ends].
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: CXR depicting the same pneumothorax as shown on CTFrom the collection of Dr Paul Novakovich; used with permission [Citation ends].
Risk factors
CPR in adults has been implicated as a cause of rib and sternal fractures.[13][28] In patients receiving external cardiac massage as a form of CPR, rib fractures were caused in 77% of males and 85% of females.[12] However, the incidence of rib fractures in children following CPR is estimated to be <2%.[13]
As age increases, the absolute risk of sustaining a fragility fracture is inversely proportional to the bone mineral density of the patient, with about 27% of these fractures occurring in the ribs.[4] A prior history of hip fracture or other appendicular skeletal injury after the age of 50 years greatly increases a patient's risk for subsequent rib fracture.[29]
Patients ages >65 years old have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in the setting of multiple rib fractures compared with a younger population.[6][7] In one study examining the association of rib fractures with the risk of fatality following a car crash, over 55% of patients ages >60 years who died of a chest injury sustained only rib fractures.[30]
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