Lessons learned from cases of rib fractures after manual therapy: a case series to increase patient safety

To identify commonalities among cases of rib fractures after spinal manipulative therapy (SMT); discuss chiropractors' case management perspectives; and propose strategies for prevention and/or management of future cases.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with chiropractors who identified cases of rib fractures after SMT at a chiropractic institution's teaching clinics. Patient characteristics, incident characteristics, and chiropractors' perspectives were collected and analysed.

Three chiropractors were interviewed, each identifying one case. Patient ages ranged from 57-77; two were female; two had osteopenia; two cases involved thoracic SMT; and one involved lumbar SMT. Chiropractors agreed that verifying and updating potential contributing factors for rib fractures, transparent communication prior to SMT and/or after the adverse event (AE) occurrence, and enhancing student education on AE management were important.

Important lessons can be learned from AEs, despite their infrequent occurrences. A more open and constructive patient safety environment is needed within the chiropractic profession.