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Updated: May 5, 2026

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Implementation of a rib fracture triage protocol in elderly trauma patients
Sheryl M Sahr1, Michael L Webb, Catherine Hackett Renner
1Division of Trauma Services, Department of Surgery, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines and The Iowa Clinic (Dr Sahr), Department of Surgery, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines (Dr Webb), Office of Research, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines (Dr Renner), Department of Emergency Medicine, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines and Health System Emergency Physicians (Dr Sokol), and Division of Trauma Services, Department of Surgery, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines and The Iowa Clinic (Dr Swegle), Des Moines, Iowa.
Abstract:
Elderly patients are highly susceptible to rib fractures after trauma. The use of a clinical pathway to determine resource allocation for patients with rib fractures has resulted in positive treatment outcomes. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of a triage protocol involving trauma services on hospital length of stay in elderly patients with fractured ribs. Patients who had 3 or more ribs fractured experienced a statistically significant reduction in hospital length of stay after protocol implementation. We conclude that elderly patients with 3 or more rib fractures should be systematically referred to a trauma specialist.
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