Rib fracture characteristics increasing the risk of hemothorax: a multicenter study

The precise assessment of hemothorax risk resulting from a rib fracture is not feasible. CT images, patient characteristics, and clinical experience are utilized in daily practice to assess risk intuitively. This study aimed to identify specific markers on CT images that can predict the risk of hemothorax. The study was retrospectively conducted between May 2021 and December 2023 at three different centers. Patients diagnosed with hemothorax at the initial assessment or during follow-up were identified among those being followed for rib fractures. An investigation was carried out to examine the relationship between the number of rib fractures, displacement status, and the location of the fracture on the rib arch with the risk of hemothorax. Of the 273 patients included in the study, 201 (73.6%) were male. The mean age was 53.9 ± 17.27 (19-93) years. Lateral (p = 0.029) and posterior (p < 0.001) location of the fracture and displacement of at least one fracture (p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk. There was a significant correlation between the number of rib fractures and the risk of hemothorax (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off for the number of rib fractures associated with a high risk of hemothorax was determined to be 4. Anatomical characteristics of a rib fracture can be useful to assess the risk of hemothorax practically in patients with thoracic trauma especially in emergency rooms. Patients with four or more rib fractures, at least one displaced rib fracture, and lateral and posterior rib fractures should be followed more carefully for hemothorax.