DIFFERENCES OF RIB FRACTURES IN BLUNT TRAUMA PATIENTS ACCORDING TO AGE AND GENDER: A COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY STUDY

Abstract

Objective
 To investigate the difference between rib fractures
 according to age and sex in blunt trauma patients.
 Material and Method
 The patients were classified into 3 age groups:
 Group-1:18-44 years, Group-2:45-69 years, and
 Group-3:70 years or more. Rib fractures were
 classified into 3 groups based on their level on the
 coronal plane (upper (1st-4th ribs), medium (5th-
 8th ribs) and lower (9th-12th ribs)) and axial plane
 (anterior, lateral and posterior).
 Results
 Rib fractures were found to be more common in male
 (69%) to female (53%) (p=0.002). The incidence of
 fractures was seen to increase with age (p=0.001;
 r=615). Rib fractures were most commonly found in
 the middle ribs (5th-8th ribs) in all-age-groups. The
 incidence of fractures in the upper ribs was significantly
 lower in the advanced age than the other age groups
 (p=0.002). Fractures were least commonly found in the
 anterior part of the rib in all age groups. Rib fractures
 were observed at a higher rate in the lateral part in
 young adults unlike the other age groups (p=0.001).
 A significant difference was found between the age
 groups in favor of young adults (group 1) in terms of
 the presence of parenchymal contusion without rib
 fracture (p=0.014).
 Conclusion
 Rib fracture was seen at a higher rate in male than
 female in blunt thoracic trauma patients. Fractures
 possibility of in the upper rib structures is lower in the
 advanced age group. Unlike other groups, in young
 people, a higher rate of fractures was detected in
 the lateral part of the costa. One should be aware of
 the possibility of parenchymal contusion without a rib
 fracture in the young age group.