Rib fracture: Displaced or non-displaced cortical break
Flail chest: ≥ 3 segmental (≥ 2 fractures in same rib) or > 5 adjacent rib fractures
Flail segment shows paradoxical motion with respiration
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
CT Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Nuclear Medicine Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
Pieracci FM et al: A multicenter, prospective, controlled clinical trial of surgical stabilization of rib fractures in patients with severe, nonflail fracture patterns (Chest Wall Injury Society NONFLAIL). J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 88(2):249-57, 2020
Marini CP et al: Predictors of mortality in patients with rib fractures. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. ePub, 2019
Kamath GS et al: Isolated cervical rib fracture. Ann Thorac Surg. 89(6):e41-2, 2010
Peters S et al: Multidetector computed tomography-spectrum of blunt chest wall and lung injuries in polytraumatized patients. Clin Radiol. 65(4):333-8, 2010
Levine BD et al: CT of rib lesions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 193(1):5-13, 2009
Hanak V et al: Cough-induced rib fractures. Mayo Clin Proc. 80(7):879-82, 2005
Bulger EM et al: Epidural analgesia improves outcome after multiple rib fractures. Surgery. 136(2):426-30, 2004
Hurley ME et al: Is ultrasound really helpful in the detection of rib fractures? Injury. 35(6):562-6, 2004
Stawicki SP et al: Rib fractures in the elderly: a marker of injury severity. J Am Geriatr Soc. 52(5):805-8, 2004
Holcomb JB et al: Morbidity from rib fractures increases after age 45. J Am Coll Surg. 196(4):549-55, 2003
Sirmali M et al: A comprehensive analysis of traumatic rib fractures: morbidity, mortality and management. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 24(1):133-8, 2003
Barnea Y et al: Isolated rib fractures in elderly patients: mortality and morbidity. Can J Surg. 45(1):43-6, 2002
Velmahos GC et al: Influence of flail chest on outcome among patients with severe thoracic cage trauma. Int Surg. 87(4):240-4, 2002
Westcott J et al: Rib fractures. American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria. Radiology. 215 Suppl:637-9, 2000
Related Anatomy
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Related Differential Diagnoses
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References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Clinical Issues
Diagnostic Checklist
TERMINOLOGY
Definitions
Rib fracture: Displaced or non-displaced cortical break
Flail chest: ≥ 3 segmental (≥ 2 fractures in same rib) or > 5 adjacent rib fractures
Flail segment shows paradoxical motion with respiration
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
CT Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Nuclear Medicine Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
Pieracci FM et al: A multicenter, prospective, controlled clinical trial of surgical stabilization of rib fractures in patients with severe, nonflail fracture patterns (Chest Wall Injury Society NONFLAIL). J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 88(2):249-57, 2020
Marini CP et al: Predictors of mortality in patients with rib fractures. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. ePub, 2019
Kamath GS et al: Isolated cervical rib fracture. Ann Thorac Surg. 89(6):e41-2, 2010
Peters S et al: Multidetector computed tomography-spectrum of blunt chest wall and lung injuries in polytraumatized patients. Clin Radiol. 65(4):333-8, 2010
Levine BD et al: CT of rib lesions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 193(1):5-13, 2009
Hanak V et al: Cough-induced rib fractures. Mayo Clin Proc. 80(7):879-82, 2005
Bulger EM et al: Epidural analgesia improves outcome after multiple rib fractures. Surgery. 136(2):426-30, 2004
Hurley ME et al: Is ultrasound really helpful in the detection of rib fractures? Injury. 35(6):562-6, 2004
Stawicki SP et al: Rib fractures in the elderly: a marker of injury severity. J Am Geriatr Soc. 52(5):805-8, 2004
Holcomb JB et al: Morbidity from rib fractures increases after age 45. J Am Coll Surg. 196(4):549-55, 2003
Sirmali M et al: A comprehensive analysis of traumatic rib fractures: morbidity, mortality and management. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 24(1):133-8, 2003
Barnea Y et al: Isolated rib fractures in elderly patients: mortality and morbidity. Can J Surg. 45(1):43-6, 2002
Velmahos GC et al: Influence of flail chest on outcome among patients with severe thoracic cage trauma. Int Surg. 87(4):240-4, 2002