In this retrospective chart review, 3720 admitted trauma patients with rib fractures were looked at for 30 day readmission. 206 patients in the group were readmitted within 30 days.
The authors concluded:
In patients with traumatic rib fractures, those with anticoagulant use, those who actively smoke, those with a psychiatric diagnosis, or those with associated abdominal injuries are at the highest risk of re-hospitalization following discharge.
While this study is retrospective and looks at patients that were sick enough to be admitted, it is a good reminder that patients with rib fractures can have high morbidity and mortality and it gives us certain patient populations in which to show extra concern.
References
Hospital readmission after blunt traumatic rib fractures
Marthy, Andrew G. MD; Mounsey, Molly MSIV; Ata, Ashar MBBS, MPH, PhD; Stain, Steven C. MD, FACS; Tafen, Marcel MD, FACS
