METHODS: Admitted rib fracture patients from January 2009 to June 2013 were identified. A 2:1 propensity score model identified MMRF patients who were similar to SSRF. RH, and empyema and readmissions, were recorded. Variables were compared using Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.
RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven SSRF and 274 MMRF were analyzed; 31 (7.5%) had RH requiring 35 interventions; 3 (2.2%) SSRF patients had RH compared with 28 (10.2%) MMRF (P = .003). Four (14.3%) MMRF subjects with RH developed empyema versus zero in the SSRF group (P = .008); 6 (19.3%) RH patients required readmission versus 14 (3.7%) in the non-RH group (P = .002).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rib fractures who have SSRF have less RH compared with similar MMRF patients. Although not a singular reason to perform SSRF, this clinical benefit should not be overlooked.