Rib Fractures
- Pain
Analgesia is the mainstay of treatment, with the goal of facilitating deep breathing and coughing to avoid secondary pulmonary complications. - Flail chest
Four consecutive rib fractures in ⩾2 places results in a free segment of the chest wall which moves paradoxically during negative-pressure ventilation.- May cause some primary respiratory defect
- Commonly associated with underlying pulmonary contusion
This may cause significantly impaired gas exchange, and is probably the major driver of any respiratory impairment (rather than mechanical inefficiency).
Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Pathophysiology
Aetiology
Clinical Manifestations
Diagnostic Approach and DDx
Investigations
Bedside:
Laboratory:
Imaging:
Other:
Management
Resuscitation:
Specific therapy:
- Pharmacological
- Procedural
- Physical
Supportive care:
Disposition:
Preventative:
Marginal and Ineffective Therapies
Anaesthetic Considerations
Complications
Prognosis
Key Studies
References
- Bersten, A. D., & Handy, J. M. (2018). Oh’s Intensive Care Manual. Elsevier Gezondheidszorg.