Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Prevalence and characteristics of rib fractures in ex-preterm infants

Angela Lucas-Herald1, Sandra Butler, Helen Mactier

  • 1Section of Child Health, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Pediatrics
|November 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Rib fractures affect approximately 2% of ex-preterm infants. Detailed neonatal history is crucial for evaluating these fractures, regardless of location.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Skeletal Imaging

Background:

  • Preterm infants are vulnerable to various complications.
  • Rib fractures in this population are not well-characterized.
  • Understanding fracture prevalence is key for appropriate care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of rib fractures in infants born preterm.
  • To describe the characteristics and associated risk factors of these fractures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of chest radiographs from 3318 preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation).
  • Analysis of radiograph reports and case notes for rib fracture evidence.
  • Correlation with clinical data including gestational age and risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Rib fractures were identified in 26 (1.8%) of eligible preterm infants.
  • A total of 62 rib fractures were found, with 36% located posteriorly.
  • Common risk factors included conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and diuretic use; osteopathy of prematurity was noted in infants with posterior fractures.

Conclusions:

  • Rib fractures are present in approximately 2% of ex-preterm infants.
  • Evaluation necessitates a thorough neonatal history, especially for posterior fractures.
  • Further investigation into associated conditions like osteopathy of prematurity is warranted.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury09:42

Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Published on: March 27, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Flail Chest-I01:24

Flail Chest-I

Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs01:20

The Thoracic Cage: Ribs

Ribs are curved, flattened bones forming the thoracic cavity wall with the thoracic muscles. There are 12 pairs of thoracic ribs. The posterior ends of all the ribs articulate with the T1–T12 thoracic vertebrae. In contrast,the anterior ends of most ribs attach to the sternum via their costal cartilages.
Parts of a Typical Rib
A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal facet...
Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...