Surgical management of rib fractures after blunt trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Simon Craxford, Dean Owyang, Ben A. Marson, K Rowlins, T. A. Coughlin, Daren P. Forward, B. Ollivere
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Multiple traumatic rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The last decade has seen a significant increase in rates of surgical fixation for both flail and non-flail rib fractures; the evidence for this has come from largely retrospective studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of this approach with that of non-operative management. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical stabilisation to non-operative management. Both flail and non-flail injuries were included. RESULTS: =0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical stabilisation of rib fractures is associated with some improved clinical outcomes. Further large RCTs are still needed to confirm if there is also a survival benefit.