Outcomes in patients with fractured ribs: middle aged at same risk of complications as the elderly

Rib fractures occur in up to 10% of hospitalised trauma patients and are the most common type of clinically significant blunt injury to the thorax. There is strong evidence that elderly patients have worse outcomes compared with younger patients. Evolving evidence suggests adverse outcomes start at a younger age. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of age on outcomes in patients with rib fractures in Northland, New Zealand.

A two-year retrospective study of patients admitted to any Northland District Health Board hospital with one or more radiologically proven rib fracture was performed. Patients with an abbreviated injury scale score >2 in the head or abdomen were excluded. The study population was stratified by age into three groups: >65, 45 to 65 and <45 years old.

170 patients met study inclusion criteria. Patients <45 had a significantly shorter length of stay (LOS) and lower rates of pneumonia compared to patients 45 and older, despite a higher Injury Severity Score and pulmonary contusion rate. There was no difference seen between groups in rates of intubation, ICU admission, mortality, empyema or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

This study found higher rates of pneumonia and an increased LOS in patients 45 and older despite their lower overall injury severity when compared to patients under 45. Patients aged 45-64 had outcomes similar to patients >65. Future clinical pathways and guidelines for patients with rib fractures should consider incorporating a younger age than 65 in risk stratification algorithms.