Bilateral Rib Research Articles

Incidence and Imaging Findings of Costal Cartilage Fractures in Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma: A Retrospective Review of 1461 Consecutive Whole-Body CT Examinations for Trauma.

Purpose To assess the incidence of costal cartilage (CC) fractures in whole-body computed tomographic (CT) examinations for blunt trauma and to evaluate distribution of CC fractures, concomitant injuries, mechanism of injury, accuracy of reporting, and the effect on 30-day mortality. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. All whole-body CT examinations for blunt trauma over 36 months were reviewed retrospectively and chest trauma CT studies were evaluated by a second reader. Of 1461 patients who underwent a whole-body CT examination, 39% (574 of 1461) had signs of thoracic injuries (men, 74.0% [425 of 574]; mean age, 46.6 years; women, 26.0% [149 of 574]; mean age, 48.9 years). χ2 and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Interobserver agreement was calculated by using Cohen kappa values. Results A total of 114 patients (men, 86.8% [99 of 114]; mean age, 48.6 years; women, 13.2% [15 of 114]; mean age, 45.1 years) had 221 CC fractures. The incidence was 7.8% (114 of 1461) in all whole-body CT examinations and 19.9% (114 of 574) in patients with thoracic trauma. Cartilage of rib 7 (21.3%, 47 of 221) was most commonly injured. Bilateral multiple consecutive rib fractures occurred in 36% (41 of 114) versus 14% (64 of 460) in other patients with chest trauma (OR, 3.48; 95% CI: 2.18, 5.53; P < .0001). Hepatic injuries were more common in patients with chest trauma with CC fractures (13%, 15 of 114) versus patients with chest trauma without CC fractures (4%, 18 of 460) (OR, 3.72; 95% CI: 1.81, 7.64; P = .0001), as well as aortic injuries (n = 4 vs n = 0; P = .0015; OR, unavailable). Kappa value for interobserver agreement in detecting CC fractures was 0.65 (substantial agreement). CC fractures were documented in 39.5% (45 of 114) of primary reports. The 30-day mortality of patients with CC fractures was 7.02% (eight of 114) versus 4.78% (22 of 460) of other patients with chest trauma (OR, 1.50; 95% CI: 0.65, 3.47; P = .3371). Conclusion CC fractures are common in high-energy blunt chest trauma and often occur with multiple consecutive rib fractures. Aortic and hepatic injuries were more common in patients with CC fractures than in patients without CC fractures. © RSNA, 2017.

Unexpected collateral impact after out of hospital resuscitation using LUCAS system

BackgroundMechanical chest compression using a piston device during reanimation is often the only way to ensure stable chest compression at a constant rate and force. However, its use can be associated with severe fractures of the thoracic rib cage and endanger the clinical course of the patient. Thus, the usage of such a piston device during the reanimation has currently been classified as a mere Class IIB indication.Case presentationWe present a case of a 66-year-old male who underwent emergent CABG surgery after receiving out-of-hospital resuscitation as a result of myocardial infarction using the LUCAS system. Due to severe bilateral rib fractures a concomitant emergency chest-wall stabilization surgery had to be performed to ensure uncompromised graft flow to obtain stable cardiac function and hemodynamics.ConclusionsReanimation using LUCAS-System might enable stable resuscitation conditions. However, it is crucial not to underestimate potential collateral damage which can in turn aggravate patient’s clinical condition.

Favorable Outcomes in Blunt Chest Injury with Noninvasive Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure Ventilation

Recent clinical research in patients with blunt chest injury has focused on the benefits of surgical fixation of rib fractures. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been demonstrated to prevent the need for intubation and ventilation in posttraumatic respiratory failure. The preemptive use of NIV in patients with rib fractures has not been extensively studied. Our study evaluated the outcomes of patients with ≥3 rib fractures and hospitalized for ≥ 4 days. Seventy-one patients treated with NIV were compared with 270 patients without NIV. NIV patients were older (65.8 vs 56.5 years) had more rib fractures (6.25 vs 5.32) and a higher body mass index (31 vs 27.8) than the comparison group, P < 0.05, but did not have an increased mortality or incidence of respiratory failure. NIV patients did have a statistically significant increase in length of stay compared to control (12.8 vs 8.8, P < 0.05). In the total sample, worse clinical outcomes were associated with older age, increased number of and bilateral rib fractures, higher Injury Severity Score, lower Glasgow Coma Scale, and higher body mass index. Outcomes in the most severely injured group of patients treated with NIV were comparable to other studies using surgical fixation of rib fractures and epidural pain control.

Features of organization of medico-legal expert researches in the cases of the mass injuring of victims in the salon of bus

Features of organization of medico-legal expert researches in the cases of the mass injuring of victims in the salon of bus

Bilateral First Rib and Associated Lower Cervical Spine Fractures

Bilateral First Rib and Associated Lower Cervical Spine Fractures

The number of displaced rib fractures is more predictive for complications in chest trauma patients

BackgroundTraumatic rib fractures can cause chest complications that need further treatment and hospitalization. We hypothesized that an increase in the number of displaced rib fractures will be accompanied by an increase in chest complications.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the trauma registry between January 2013 and May 2015 in a teaching hospital in northeastern Taiwan. Patients admitted with chest trauma and rib fractures without concomitant severe brain, splenic, pelvic or liver injuries were included. The demographic data, such as gender, age, the index of coexistence disease, alcohol consumption, trauma mechanisms were analyzed as potential predictors of pulmonary complications. Pulmonary complications were defined as pneumothorax, hemothorax, flail chest, pulmonary contusion, and pneumonia.ResultsIn the 29 months of the study period, a total of 3151 trauma patients were admitted to our hospital. Among them, 174 patients were enrolled for final analysis. The most common trauma mechanism was road traffic accidents (58.6%), mainly motorbike accidents (n = 70, 40.2%). Three or more displaced rib fractures had higher specificity for predicting complications, compared to three or more total rib fractures (95.5% vs 59.1%). Adjusting the severity of chest trauma using TTSS and Ribscore by multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that three or more rib fractures or any displaced rib fracture was the most significant predictor for developing pulmonary complication (aOR: 5.49 95% CI: 1.82–16.55). Furthermore, there were 18/57 (31.6%) patients with fewer than three ribs fractures developed pulmonary complications. In these 18 patients, only five patients had delayed onset complications and four of them had at least one displaced rib fracture.DiscussionIn this retrospective cohort study, we found that the number of displaced or total rib fractures, bilateral rib fractures, and rib fractures in more than two areas were associated with the more chest complications. Furthermore, three or more rib fracture or any displacement were found to be the most sensitive risk factor for chest complications, independent of other risk factors or severity index.ConclusionThe number of displaced rib fractures could be a strong predictor for developing pulmonary complications. For patients with fewer than three rib fractures without rib displacement and initial lung or other organ injuries, outpatient management could be safe and efficient.

Bilateral First Rib Stress Fractures with Pseudoarthrosis in a Young Weightlifter: A Rare Cause of Shoulder Pain

Bilateral First Rib Stress Fractures with Pseudoarthrosis in a Young Weightlifter: A Rare Cause of Shoulder Pain

Flail chest in a polytraumatized patient: Management and treatment - case report

Introduction. Management of a polytraumatized patient is a problem that requires a multidisciplinary approach, in order to optimise patient?s outcome. The purpose of this study was to show the approach in the treatment of a patient with a severe life-threatening polytrauma, including a personalized healthcare approach with the positive outcome after the inadequate initial treatment. Case report. We presented a case of a young polytraumatized patient with trauma as a result of road traffic accident. The patient had chest, abdominal and right arm injuries. He was diagnosed of hepatic rupture with conquasation and retroperitoneal hematoma and the patient underwent liver tamponade. Chest trauma due to bilateral serial rib fracture with flail chest was treated by chest drainage. After the adequate multidisciplinary interventions for the patient, the patient was discharged. Conclusion. This case report is of great importance since it shows that severe polytraumatized patients with bad initial prognosis can successfully receive a lifesaving treatment.

When Should Abdominal Computed Tomography Be Considered in Patients with Lower Rib Fractures?

BackgroundLower rib fractures are considered as a marker of intra-abdominal organ injury. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the “gold standard” examination for patients with lower rib fractures. However, the reported incidence of concomitant intra-abdominal injuries (IAI) is 20%–40%. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of intra-abdominal organ injuries in blunt trauma patients with lower rib fractures. MethodsMedical charts and radiology reports of patients with lower rib (from the 8th to 12th rib) fractures admitted to our center during a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I included patients with intra-abdominal injury (IAI) diagnosed either by CT or on urgent laparotomy, and Group II included those with normal abdominal CT scans. Data included demographics, mechanism of injury, laboratory tests, radiology results including number and location of fractured ribs, and incidence of IAI. ResultsOverall 318 patients were included in the study. Fifty-seven patients (17.9%) had 71 IAIs compared with 265 (82.1%) patients with no IAI. Logistic regression identified age younger than 55 years (relative risk [RR] = 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–16.8; p = 0.001), bilateral rib fractures (RR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.1–13.5; p = 0.03) and decreased levels of hematocrit (RR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.2–4.8; p = 0.016) as independent risk factors for the presence of IAI. ConclusionsAbdominal CT should be considered in blunt trauma patients with lower rib fractures who are younger than 55 years of age and have bilateral rib fractures and decreased levels of hematocrit on admission.

Visual Vignette

Case Presentation: A 50-year-old female with severe diffuse bone/muscle pain, polyarthralgia, and multiple spontaneous fractures was admitted with suicidal ideation, saying she would rather die than continue living with this pain. Her primary care physician had diagnosed osteoporosis and fibromyalgia and started bisphosphonate, calcium/vitamin D, and gabapentin. Endocrinology evaluation revealed hypophosphatemia; lower normal total calcium; low 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, normal creatinine; and elevated alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and urine phosphate levels. She was treated with intravenous phosphate supplementation. Lower extremity radiographs were normal. Indium-111 pentetreotide scan showed focal uptake (Fig. 1, arrow) below her right knee; the focus on single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) included a lytic proximal right fibular lesion. Right knee magnetic resonance imaging showed a T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense, gadolinium-enhancing mass (Fig. 2, arrowhead) in the posterior tibialis muscle, eroding into the medial fibular cortex (arrow). CT showed widespread lytic bone lesions, fractures of the bilateral ribs, right scapula, and pelvis; no metastasis to lungs, organs, or soft tissues; and no blastic bone lesions. What is the diagnosis? Fig. 2 View Large Image Figure Viewer

Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection recurrence in a non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome patient: A case report.

Penicillium marneffei is a rare deep tissue fungal infection causing an endemic in Southeast Asia. This infection causes penicilliosis disease and is more common in patients who are immunocompromised. To date, no cases of P. marneffei infection relapse following treatment have been reported. A 36-year-old patient attended our hospital as a result of intermittent fever, cough, shortness of breath and multiple soft lesions located on the face, arms, neck and trunk. The medical radiological examination of the lung revealed multiple patchy exudative shadows, thick-walled hollow inner part of the visible lesions, bilateral pleural and pericardial effusion. Assessing the skull and right collarbone, bilateral thoracic ribs and a plurality revealed numeorus lesions with reduced bone destruction and revealed that the patient was positive for P. marneffei infection. After 6 months of antifungal therapy, pulmonary symptoms and the surface lesions of the patient rapidly disappearance and the physical condition markedly improved. The patient did not attend a follow-up and stopped antifungal treatment. In February 2016, the patient presented with left breast and subcutaneous soft tissue mass of the head and neck. Fungal culture results revealed that the patient was again positive for P. marneffei infection. The present case suggested that clinical doctors and patients must pay more attention to regular treatment of the disseminated P. marneffei. It also highlighted the requirement for awareness of penicilliosis in non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients, who are not immunocompromised, who are living in or traveling to P. marneffei-endemic areas.

Concurrent papillary carcinoma of thyroid in a case of primary hyperparathyroidism

Although the pathological association between thyroid and parathyroid diseases is not rare, simultaneous presence of thyroid carcinoma and parathyroid adenoma is regarded as a rare entity [1]. Concurrent thyroid and parathyroid pathology was first described by Kissin et al in 1947 [2]. An Indian woman presented with recurrent attacks of pain abdomen, polyarthralgia, psychiatric complications and a palpable right anterior neck mass without any cervical adenopathy. Sonography revealed a solid oblong hypoechoic lesion postero-inferior to the right lobe of thyroid with internal necrosis/cystic changes. FDG avid lytic lesions were seen in calvarial vault, clivus, fascial bones, mandible, bilateral humerii, bilateral clavicles, bilateral scapulae, sternum and few bilateral ribs. CECT revealed a well-defined low attenuating lesion at the postero-inferior aspect of right lobe of thyroid gland. Careful assessment of thyroid gland is advocated in all patients of primary hyperparathyroidism and vice versa.

High-risk mechanism of injury: A new indication for screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury?

Blunt cerebrovascular injury is a rare but catastrophic injury. Screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury after high-impact mechanism remains ill-defined but several associated lesions have been identified as high risk for concomitant blunt cerebrovascular injury and are used to prompt further investigation for early identification and intervention. We describe a case of a large cerebral infarction caused by a high cervical internal carotid dissection after a motorcycle collision. Upon presentation, the patient had a Glasgow coma scale of 14 and an open pelvic fracture, which was immediately addressed in the operating room. His subsequent imaging revealed a nasal fracture, bilateral rib fractures, bilateral pubic rami fractures and left acetabular fracture without evidence of traumatic brain injury, cervical spine injury or extensive facial fractures. After 48 h, he displayed a depressed sensorium and an abnormal pupillary exam. He was diagnosed by computed tomography angiogram with a carotid dissection resulting in a large infarct of the right hemisphere with herniation requiring emergent craniectomy. This case suggests screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury beyond the current recommendations especially in patients with high-impact mechanism.

Nuss procedure for surgical stabilization of flail chest with horizontal sternal body fracture and multiple bilateral rib fractures

Flail chest is a life-threatening situation that paradoxical movement of the thoracic cage was caused by multiply fractured ribs in two different planes, or a sternal fracture, or a combination of the two. The methods to achieve stability of the chest wall are controversy between surgical fixation and mechanical ventilation. We report a case of a 33-year-old man who fell from a high place with fail chest due to multiple rib fractures bilaterally and horizontal sternal fracture. The conventional surgical stabilization using metal plates by access to the front of the sternum could not provide stability of the flail segment because the fracture surface was obliquely upward and there were multiple bilateral rib fractures adjacent the sternum. The Nuss procedure was performed for supporting the flail segment from the back. Flail chest was resolved immediately after the surgery. The patient was weaned from the mechanical ventilation on third postoperative day successfully and was ultimately discharged without any complications.

Critical Upper Limb Ischemia due to Subclavian Artery Compression Caused by Initially Undiagnosed Cervical Rib - A Case Report

True subclavian artery aneurysms are relatively rare events. Thoracic outlet compression is responsible for 75% of those aneurysms. They are formed as a result of compression of subclavian artery, for example a cervical rib. A case of subclavian artery aneurysm secondary to cervical rib in a 35 year old young adult, who presented with a critical ischemia in his dominant right upper limb. Plain x-ray of cervical spine revealed bilateral cervical ribs and duplex study of the both upper limb arteries concluded aneurysmal dilatation of mid-distal subclavian artery of both sides with mural thrombus on the right side, marked distal ischemia in the right upper limb due to occlusive thrombus in the distal arterial tree, normal distal arterial flow in the left upper limb. Although it is a rare lesion, cervical rib leading to thoracic outlet compression should always be included in the differential diagnosis of a critically ischemic limb in young age group. Surgical management should be considered in a patient with subclavian artery aneurysm due to cervical rib to prevent additional embolic events.University Heart Journal Vol. 11, No. 1, January 2015; 48-51

Prolonged Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Followed by Split-Thickness Skin Graft Placement for Wide Dehiscence of Clamshell Incision After Bilateral Lung Transplantation: A Case Report

Clamshell incision is a standard approach for bilateral lung transplantation, providing a good operative field; however, once wide dehiscence occurs, its management is sometimes difficult because of intense immunosuppression and malnutrition of the recipient. A 22-year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension underwent cadaveric bilateral lung transplantation through a clamshell incision using standard cardiopulmonary bypass. He developed wound dehiscence on postoperative day (POD) 20 that resulted in exposure of the bilateral fifth ribs and open pneumothorax. Considering the extreme malnutrition and emaciation of the recipient, we avoided initial closure of the dehiscence. After the debridement of necrotic tissue, negative pressure wound therapy was initiated on POD 25 and was continued for approximately 6 months with trafermin spray application. Eventually, the wound, including the fifth ribs, was completely covered with granulation tissue except for the wire tying the sternum. On POD 217, the patient underwent removal of the sternal wire followed by split-thickness skin grafting. His wound was successfully closed and he was discharged without activity limitation on POD 265.

Costoclavicular Syndrome and MRI Evaluation, Our Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital, SKIMS Srinagar, J&amp;amp;K

Introduction: Cervical rib is a supernumerary rib springing from one of the cervical vertebrae, usually the seventh. About 1 in 200 people are born with cervical rib. About 1 in 10 people who have a cervical rib develop symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Aims: The aim of this study was to identify normal and abnormal anatomy of thoracic outlet using MRI in symptomatic costoclavicular compression syndrome and to plan them for surgery thereafter. Methods: This was a prospective hospital based study. All the symptomatic cases of cervical rib syndrome admitted in the department of Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery SKIMS, Srinagar from May 2011 to May 2015 were taken up for the study. Results: A total of 40 cases of symptomatic cervical rib syndrome were reported from May 2011 to May 2015. Mean age of presentation was 26.3. The most prevalent age group was 21 - 30 years (47%). Majority of patients were females (83%) with male female ratio of 1:5. 67% had bilateral cervical rib, more in females (72%) than males (40%). 97% had neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and 3% had vascular thoracic outlet syndrome. 35% of cases with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome had subclavian artery compression on MR Angio of thoracic outlet after subjecting them to postural maneuvers. All the patients with subclavian artery compression were subjected to surgery. Conclusion: Costoclavicular compression syndrome affects mainly young females. MR Angio is complementary in finding vascular compression in cases presenting mainly with neurogenic symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Bilateral First Rib Stress Fractures in a Basketball Player

Bilateral First Rib Stress Fractures in a Basketball Player

Spinal Epidural Hematoma after Thoracolumbar Posterior Fusion Surgery without Decompression for Thoracic Vertebral Fracture.

We present a rare case of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) after thoracolumbar posterior fusion without decompression surgery for a thoracic vertebral fracture. A 42-year-old man was hospitalized for a thoracic vertebral fracture caused by being sandwiched against his back on broken concrete block. Computed tomography revealed a T12 dislocation fracture of AO type B2, multiple bilateral rib fractures, and a right hemopneumothorax. Four days after the injury, in order to promote early orthostasis and to improve respiratory status, we performed thoracolumbar posterior fusion surgery without decompression; the patient had back pain but no neurological deficits. Three hours after surgery, he complained of acute pain and severe weakness of his bilateral lower extremities; with allodynia below the level of his umbilicus, postoperative SEH was diagnosed. We performed immediate revision surgery. After removal of the hematoma, his symptoms improved gradually, and he was discharged ambulatory one month after revision surgery. Through experience of this case, we should strongly consider the possibility of preexisting SEH before surgery, even in patients with no neurological deficits. We should also consider perioperative coagulopathy in patients with multiple trauma, as in this case.

Bilateral traumatic pneumothoraces with bilateral deep sulcus signs

Fig. 1. Supine chest radiography shows bilateral deep sulcus signs (arrows) and multiple rib fractures (arrowheads). A 33-year-old man was brought to our emergency department by ambulance after a traffic accident. On arrival, he was drowsy, and dyspnea was noted. He had a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/ min, an oxygen saturation of 88% on a rebreather face mask, a blood pressure of 80/58 mmHg, and a pulse rate of 114 beats/min. The breath sounds over the anterior left side of his chest were decreased, and multiple abrasions were noted over the anterior chest wall. Needle decompression was performed immediately under the impression of tension pneumothorax. A supine chest radiograph revealed both lateral costophrenic angles were abnormally deepened with increased lucency (Fig. 1, arrows) and left rib fractures (Fig. 1, arrowheads). A chest tube was placed on the left side, and the chest computed tomography revealed bilateral pneumothoraces with lung collapse (Fig. 2). A chest tube was placed on the right side, and a repeat chest radiograph revealed decreases in both deepened and hyperlucent lateral costophrenic angles (Fig. 3). After resuscitation, he was transferred to the intensive care unit and discharged home in stable condition 1 month later. Traumatic pneumothorax is an emergency, and is sometimes difficult to identify in critically ill patients. The majority of cases can be diagnosed on an upright posteroanterior chest radiograph [1]. However, only supine chest radiographs are possible in some patients, such as those who have undergone major trauma or are in the intensive care unit. Approximately 30% of pneumothoraces are undetected on supine radiographs because the visceral pleural