THE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF RIB FRACTURES

The incidence of rib fractures secondary to trauma has not been clearl y reported. Of the 7147 patients seen by our trauma service from Janua ry 1987 to June 1992, 711 (10%) had rib fractures. Among the patients with rib fractures, 84 (12%) died, 670 (94%) had associated injuries, 274 (32%) had a hemothorax or pneumothorax, and 187 (26%) had a lung c ontusion. Fifty-five percent of the patients required an immediate ope ration or admission to the intensive care unit. Thirty-five percent of the patients required discharge to an extended care facility and 35% developed a pulmonary complication. We conclude that rib fractures are a marker of severe injury in which (1) 12% will die because of their injuries, (2) more than 90% will have associated injuries, (3) one hal f will require operative and ICU care, (4) one third will develop pulm onary complications, and (5) one third will require discharge to an ex tended care facility.