Management of rib fractures

Abstract

Rib fractures are a common reason for hospital admission and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the management of simple rib fractures and provides practical guidance for junior doctors involved in the care of these patients. Careful assessment to identify patients at high risk of complications is essential and calculation of a rib fracture score can aid management decisions. Pain from rib fractures can be severe and requires multimodal analgesia started promptly and proactively on hospital admission. This may include the use of regional anaesthetic techniques such as thoracic epidurals and erector spinae blocks for patients with significant chest trauma or those at high risk of pulmonary complications.