Detection Of Rib Fractures Research Articles

Rib fractures at postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) validated against the autopsy

To evaluate the sensitivity of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) in rib fracture detection validated against autopsy.Fifty-one forensic cases underwent a postmortem CT prior to forensic autopsy. Two image readers (radiologist and forensic pathologist) assessed high resolution CT data sets for rib fractures. Correct recognition rates (CRR), sensitivity and specificity values were calculated over all observations as well as individually for every rib and region. Additionally, for partial rib fractures the sensitivity of autopsy was calculated vice versa.3876 entries in each study protocol (autopsy, PMCT radiologist and PMCT forensic pathologist) were investigated. A total of 690 fractures (autopsy), 491 (PMCT and radiologist) and 559 (PMCT and forensic pathologist) were detected. The CRR was 0.85. Sensitivity and specificity of PMCT for rib fracture detection were 0.63 (0.58 radiologist, 0.68 forensic pathologist) and 0.97 (both readers 0.97), respectively. Low CRR and sensitivity values were obtained for antero-lateral fractures. Partial rib fractures were better detected by PMCT.PMCT has a rather low sensitivity for rib fracture detection when validated against autopsy and indicates that clinical CT may also demonstrate a reasonable number of false negatives. Partial rib fractures often remain undetected at autopsy.

Comparison of computed tomography and autopsy in detection of injuries after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation

AimComputed tomography (CT) has been suggested as an aid or even a replacement for autopsy. The aim of this trial was to study the conformity of the two methods in finding injuries in non-surviving patients after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. MethodsIn this prospective study, 31 patients were submitted to a CT prior to autopsy after unsuccessful resuscitation attempts. Pathological findings were noted by both the radiologist and the pathologists in a specified protocol. The pathologists and radiologist were blinded from each other's results. ResultsCT and autopsy revealed rib fractures in 22 and 24 patients respectively (kappa=0.83). In 8 patients, CT revealed more rib fractures than autopsy; and in 12 patients, autopsy revealed more rib fractures than CT. In 7 patients, neither method showed any rib fractures. The mean difference between the two methods in detecting rib fractures was 0.16 (S.D.: ±3.174, limits of agreement: −6.19 to 6.51). The kappa value for sternal fractures was 0.49. A total of 260 pathological findings were noted by CT and 244 by autopsy. The average patient showed a median of 9 injuries (every fracture counted as one injury), independent of the method used in detecting the injuries. ConclusionsThere was a strong concordance between the two methods in finding rib fractures but not sternal fractures and these results support the concept of CT as a valuable complement to autopsy in detecting rib fractures after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation but not as a replacement. Other injuries did not show the same concordance.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of costal cartilage fractures unnoticed by the conventional radiographic study and multidetector computed tomography

Rib fractures are the most common injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma. However, costal cartilage fractures are almost invisible on chest X-rays unless they involve calcified cartilage. The sensitivity of conventional radiography and computed tomography for detecting rib fractures is limited, especially in cases where rib cartilage is involved. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the sensitivities of chest wall ultrasonography, clinical findings, and radiography in the detection of costal cartilage fractures. A total of 93 patients presenting with a high clinical suspicion of rib or sternal fractures were recruited for radiological workup with posterior-anterior (PA) chest radiographs, oblique rib views, sternal views, computed tomography, and chest ultrasound between April 2008 and May 2010. There were 47 men and 46 women, and the mean age of the patients was 51.8±15.9years (range 17-78years). These patients with minor blunt chest trauma showed no evidence of rib fractures on conventional radiography and computed tomography, and no evidence of other major fractures. Chondral rib fractures were detected by using ultrasonography on a 7.5-MHz linear transducer. Of the total 93 patients, 64 (68.8%) showed chondral rib fractures, whereas 29 (31.2%) did not. The mean number of chondral rib fracture sites detected in 64 patients was 1.8±0.8 (range 1-5). Subperiosteal hematoma was the most common finding associated with costal cartilage fractures (n=14, 15.0%), followed by sternal fracture (n=9, 9.7%). However, subperiosteal hematoma was also noticed in 1 (1.1%) of the patients without costal cartilage fractures, and sternal fractures in 7 patients (7.5%). The results of this study suggest that ultrasonography may be a useful imaging method for detecting costal cartilage fractures overlooked on conventional radiographs and computed tomography in patients with minor blunt chest trauma. Early ultrasonographic evaluation can give more accurate information than clinical and radiologic evaluation in detecting costal cartilage fractures and sternal fractures that are overlooked on conventional radiography and computed tomography after minor blunt chest trauma.

Value of postmortem thoracic CT over radiography in imaging of pediatric rib fractures

Studies have reported that thoracic CT may provide greater sensitivity compared with radiography in detection of pediatric rib fractures and fracture healing. The additional sensitivity afforded by thoracic CT may have medicolegal implications where abuse is suspected. To determine the additional value of postmortem thoracic CT compared with radiography in detecting pediatric rib fractures, and fracture healing, using autopsy findings as a gold standard. We retrospectively reviewed 56 coroner's cases with postmortem radiography and CT thoracic survey. All studies underwent primary interpretation by one or two radiologists. The study radiologist independently reviewed all images from 13 patients with positive findings on radiography, CT or autopsy. Sensitivity and specificity between observers and imaging modalities were compared. Primary interpretation: Fractures were recognized on radiography in 5/12 patients who had fractures found at autopsy, and on CT in 8/12 patients. In total, 29% (24/83) of fractures were reported on radiography, and 51% (52/101) of fractures were reported on CT. Study radiologist: Fractures were recognized on radiography in 7/12 patients who had fractures found at autopsy, and on CT in 11/12 patients. In total, 46% (38/83) of fractures were reported on radiography, and 85% (86/101) of fractures were reported on CT. Postmortem thoracic CT provides greater sensitivity than radiography in detecting pediatric rib fractures, most notably in anterior and posterior fractures. However, the degree of improvement in sensitivity provided by CT might depend on observer experience.

Wavelet analysis of piezoelectric transducer signals to detect rib fractures during impact tests

Understanding when rib fractures occurred during an impact would provide valuable data to develop improved thoracic injury risk functions and ultimately safer restraint systems. The strain-gage based method commonly used has limited sensitivity and requires up to six gauges per rib to obtain a good spatial resolution. An approach based on time-scale analysis (TSA) of signals obtained from piezoelectric transducers (PZT) was evaluated with the view to overcoming these limitations. A white-tailed deer ribcage was instrumented with fifteen PZT affixed to the left and right ribs and vertebrae (consecutive rib levels 2–5). Six non-injurious impact tests and one fracture test were performed. The continuous wavelet transform (CWT) – a specific type of TSA – was used to track the impact and fracture signals in the ribcage. It was shown that the impacts could be detected by all the PZT within a few milliseconds, and that the peak value of the CWT of the PZT signals greatly decreased for the PZT contralateral to the impact location. As for the fracture, the PZT affixed to the neighbouring ribs could detect the time of fracture within milliseconds. Further analysis of the PZT signals allowed to characterise the transmission of the impact/fracture signals through the ribcage structure (rib, sternum, vertebrae). The next step in the development of this method is to include the vibratory response of the ribcage to refine the algorithm used to process the PZT signals.

Whole-Body MRI in Suspected Infant Abuse

The purpose of our study was to examine the utility of whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) in the detection of skeletal and soft-tissue injuries in suspected infant abuse. Twenty-one infants (0-12 months) underwent WB-MRI for evaluation of suspected child abuse. WB-MRI at 1.5 T was performed using coronal and sagittal STIR sequences within 5 days of initial skeletal survey. Follow-up skeletal survey was performed in 16 cases. The "truth" was determined by integrating the initial and follow-up skeletal surveys, where available, into a summary of skeletal injuries (summary skeletal survey). Statistics included analysis of counts and proportions, concordance rate, sensitivity, and specificity. Summary skeletal survey and WB-MRI identified 167 fractures or areas of skeletal signal abnormality: 46 (27.5%) by both techniques, 68 (40.7%) by summary skeletal survey only, and 53 (31.7%) by WB-MRI only. WB-MRI had high specificity (95%) but low sensitivity (40%) for identifying fractures or signal abnormalities compared with summary skeletal survey. Thirty-seven classic metaphyseal lesions or metaphyseal signal abnormalities were identified: 11 (29.7%) by both techniques, 24 (64.8%) by summary skeletal survey only, and two (5.4%) by WB-MRI only. WB-MRI had very low sensitivity (31%) for identifying signal abnormality where classic metaphyseal lesions were seen with skeletal survey. WB-MRI had low sensitivity (57%) for identifying signal abnormality in areas where rib fractures were seen on skeletal survey. WB-MRI identified soft-tissue injuries such as muscle edema and joint effusions that, in some cases, led to identifying additional fractures. WB-MRI is insensitive in the detection of classic metaphyseal lesions and rib fractures, high specificity indicators of infant abuse. WB-MRI cannot replace the skeletal survey but may complement it by identifying soft-tissue abnormalities.

Evaluation by ultrasound of traumatic rib fractures missed by radiography

Rib fractures are the most common (25%) injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma, and are usually revealed on radiographs. Radiography sometimes cannot show fractures, especially those in costal cartilages, except for densely calcified ones. Several authors have recently investigated the role of ultrasound in the detection of rib fractures. We conducted this study to investigate possible rib fractures with ultrasound, determine those overlooked on chest x-ray, and analyze the possible clinical predictors of these insidious rib fractures in minor or mild blunt chest trauma. A total of 20 patients with minor mild blunt chest trauma were enrolled into this study. All radiographs were reviewed by two radiologists who noted rib fractures or other complications. Ultrasonography was performed in the radiology department using a linear transducer by one radiologist. The costal cartilage normally appears relatively hypoechoic compared with the osseous rib. Fractures of the rib, costochondral junction, and costal cartilage were denoted by a clear disruption of the anterior echogenic margin. A total of 20 patients with normal radiological findings, but continuing symptoms were evaluated by ultrasound. The most common etiology of trauma was a fall, as seen in 60% of the patients. None of the rib fractures were identified radiographically. Sonography detected 26 rib fractures in 18 of 20 subjects at presentation. Sonography reveals more fractures than radiography and will reveal fractures in most patients presenting with suspected rib fracture.

Detection of Chest Trauma With Whole-Body Low-Dose Linear Slit Digital Radiography: A Multireader Study

The objective of our study was to compare the performance of low-dose linear slit digital radiography (DR) with computed radiography (CR) for the detection of trauma sequelae in the chest including rib fractures, pneumothorax, and lung contusion. Eighty trauma victims (62 males, 18 females; mean age, 51.5 years) with a total of 612 rib fractures and 80 consecutive patients without rib fractures (59 males, 21 females; mean age, 39.5 years) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had undergone whole-body linear slit DR and consecutive chest CT, and 87 patients underwent follow-up CR of the chest within 24 hours of DR and CT. Four blinded readers assessed image quality, rib fracture localization with diagnostic confidence, and the presence of pneumothorax and lung contusion on linear slit DR and CR images. Sensitivity for rib fractures and image quality were compared using the Wilcoxon's test. For the detection of pneumothorax and lung contusion, the difference in the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated. The rate of correctly identified rib fractures was higher (true-positive findings per image, 2.55 vs 2.21, respectively; p = 0.02), the rate of missed fractures was lower (false-negative findings per image, 4.98 vs 6.19; p = 0.02), and the diagnostic confidence was greater (2.03 vs 1.73 on a 3-point scale; p = 0.01) with linear slit DR than with CR, respectively. Image quality and performance for detecting pneumothorax and lung contusion with both techniques were not statistically different (p = 0.22, 0.85, and 0.55, respectively). Linear slit DR is a reliable substitute for CR in the initial evaluation of chest trauma, with better sensitivity for detecting rib fractures and similar performance in assessing pneumothorax and lung contusion.

Skeletal Trauma in Child Abuse: Detection with18F-NaF PET

To evaluate the sensitivity of fluorine 18-labeled sodium fluoride ((18)F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) for assessment of skeletal trauma in pediatric patients suspected of having been abused and to compare the diagnostic performance of this examination with that of high-detail skeletal survey. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and determined that it was in accordance with regulations of HIPAA privacy rule 45, Code of Federal Regulations parts 160 and 164, and that the criteria for waived patient authorization were met. The baseline skeletal survey and PET images obtained in 22 patients younger than 2 years between September 2007 and January 2009 were reviewed. Fourteen patients also underwent follow-up skeletal survey. The PET images were interpreted by two pediatric nuclear medicine physicians. The initially obtained skeletal survey images were interpreted blindly by a pediatric radiologist. A second pediatric radiologist interpreted the follow-up skeletal survey images in conjunction with the baseline survey images and rendered a final interpretation for the 14 patients in whom both baseline and follow-up skeletal survey data were available, which served as the reference standard. A total of 156 fractures were detected at baseline skeletal survey, and 200 fractures were detected at PET. Compared with the reference standard (findings in the 14 patients who underwent baseline and follow-up skeletal survey), PET had sensitivities of 85% for the detection of all fractures, 92% for the detection of thoracic fractures (ribs, sternum, clavicle, and scapula), 93% for the detection of posterior rib fractures, and 67% for the detection of classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs), defined as a series of microfractures across the metaphysis. Compared with the reference standard, baseline skeletal survey had sensitivities of 72% for the detection of all fractures, 68% for the detection of thoracic fractures, 73% for the detection of posterior rib fractures, and 80% for the detection of CMLs. (18)F-NaF PET had greater sensitivity in the overall detection of fractures related to child abuse than did baseline skeletal survey. (18)F-NaF PET was superior in the detection of rib fractures in particular. Thus, (18)F-NaF PET is an attractive choice for evaluation of suspected child abuse, an application in which high sensitivity is desirable. Because of the lower sensitivity of PET in the detection of CMLs, a characteristic fracture in child abuse, initial radiographic evaluation remains necessary.

Bone images from dual-energy subtraction chest radiography in the detection of rib fractures

Objective To assess the sensitivity and image quality of chest radiography (CXR) with or without dual-energy subtracted (ES) bone images in the detection of rib fractures. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, 39 patients with 204 rib fractures and 24 subjects with no fractures were examined with a single exposure dual-energy subtraction digital radiography system. Three blinded readers first evaluated the non-subtracted posteroanterior and lateral chest radiographs alone, and 3 months later they evaluated the non-subtracted images together with the subtracted posteroanterior bone images. The locations of rib fractures were registered with confidence levels on a 3-grade scale. Image quality was rated on a 5-point scale. Marks by readers were compared with fracture localizations in CT as a standard of reference. Results The sensivity for fracture detection using both methods was very similar (34.3% with standard CXR and 33.5% with ES-CXR, p = 0.92). At the patient level, both sensitivity (71.8%) and specificity (92.9%) with or without ES were identical. Diagnostic confidence was not significantly different (2.61 with CXR and 2.75 with ES-CXR, p = 0.063). Image quality with ES was rated higher than that on standard CXR (4.08 vs. 3.74, p < 0.001). Conclusions Despite a better image quality, adding ES bone images to standard radiographs of the chest does not provide better sensitivity or improved diagnostic confidence in the detection of rib fractures.

Emergency bedside ultrasound for the diagnosis of rib fractures

The scope of clinical applications of emergency ultrasonography continues to expand. Bedside ultrasound has been typically described as an “extension of the palpating hand” and a “visual stethoscope” during physical examination. One of the relatively newer applications is its use in the detection of rib fractures. The author discusses the technique, applicability, limitations, and role of emergency ultrasound in the diagnosis of rib fractures.

Comparison of computed tomography and chest radiography in the detection of rib fractures in abused infants

Purpose Chest radiographs (CXR) are the standard method for evaluating rib fractures in abused infants. Computed tomography (CT) is a sensitive method to detect rib fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare CT and CXR in the evaluation of rib fractures in abused infants. Methods This retrospective study included all 12 abused infants identified from 1999 to 2004 who had rib fractures and both CXR and CT (8 abdomen CTs, 4 chest CTs). CT exams had been performed for clinical indications, and were obtained within one day of the CXR. Studies were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists to determine the number, locations, and approximate ages of the rib fractures. A total of 225 ribs were completely (192) or partially (33) seen by CT, and the matched ribs on CXR were used for the analysis. Results The mean patient age was 2.5 months (1.2–5.6), with seven females and five males. While 131 fractures were visualized by CT, only 79 were seen by CXR ( p < .001). One patient had fractures only seen by CT. There were significantly ( p < .05) more early subacute (24 vs. 4), subacute (47 vs. 26), and old fractures (4 vs. 0) seen by CT than by CXR. Anterior (42 vs. 11), anterolateral (21 vs. 12), posterolateral (9 vs. 3) and posterior (39 vs. 24) fractures were better seen by CT than by CXR ( p < .01). Bilateral fractures were detected more often by CT (11) than by CXR (6). Conclusions While this study group is small, these findings suggest that CT is better than CXR in visualizing rib fractures in abused infants.

The Usefulness of Bone Scan in the Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Patients Treated With Kyphoplasty

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objectives: To compare the clinical results of kyphoplasty between osteoporotic patients with compression fractures and rib hot uptake on bone scan and patients without rib hot uptake. Summary of Literature Review: The incidence of osteoporotic rib fractures is 0.3% in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Between July 2005 and July 2006, 72 kyphoplasties for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were performed, and all patients had a bone scan study. On bone scan study, 41 patients (57.7%) had hot uptake in their ribs. Results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Results: The incidence of hot uptake was 67.8% in thoracic fractures, 40.0% in lumbar fractures, and 72.7% in thoracolumbar fractures. Hot uptake was significantly more common with thoracic and thoracolumbar fractures than with lumbar fractures (p<0.05). The incidence of hot uptake was 49.1% in oneand two-level fractures and 84.6% in over three-level fractures. This finding demonstrated significant difference between the two groups (p�0.05). The mean VAS scores for all cases were 8.2/3.4/3.2 at preoperative/immediate postoperative/after 3 months, respectively. In thoracic fractures, they were 8.2/3.9/3.1; lumbar fractures 8.0/3.2/3.1; and thoracolumbar fractures 8.3/3.7/3.0, respectively. The immediate postoperative VAS score in lumbar fractures was better than in thoracic fractures (p�0.05). The VAS scores in thoracic fractures with hot uptake were 8.3/4.1/3, and those without hot uptake were 7.8/2.8/3.0. The immediate VAS score in thoracic fractures without hot uptake was better than in those with hot uptake (p�0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic and multiple osteoporotic compression fractures are often accompanied by rib fractures. Bone scan is a useful tool to detect rib fractures and predict the prognosis of kyphoplasty.

Detection of rib trauma in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit: a comparison of ultrasonography, radiography and physical examination

Previous studies have shown that in man ultrasonography is more accurate than radiography for detecting rib fractures. To describe clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings related with rib fractures in newborn foals in an equine critical care unit; and to compare diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography to radiography. A prospective ultrasonographic study was performed on 29 foals presented to the emergency unit. This study was performed at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV), University of Montreal. Physical examination as well as radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. Thoracic radiographs revealed 10 rib fractures in 5 of 26 (19%) foals. Ultrasonography revealed 49 fractures in 19 of 29 (65%) foals of which fillies (n = 13; 68%) were significantly over represented as were fractures to the left thorax (n = 15; 78%). Seventeen of 19 foals (90%) had rib fractures located 3 cm or less from the costochondral junction, the distal part of the rib being displaced laterally in all cases. In 2 foals, where both thoracic radiographs and ultrasonography detected rib fractures, the site of fractures was located on the mid portion of the rib. Rib fractures were detected only by thoracic radiographs in one foal. Sixty-five percent (32/49) of fractured ribs had a moderate displacement (1-4 mm). Rib fractures are seen frequently in newborn foals in equine critical care units. Ultrasonography is more accurate than radiography and reveals fractures in most patients presented in emergency. The position (costochondral junction) of rib fractures and of the fragments suggest that most thoracic trauma probably occurs during parturition. Ultrasound imaging increases awareness and improves the diagnosis of rib fractures in newborn foals.

Detection of Rib Fractures in Minor Chest Injuries: a Comparison between Ultrasonography and Radiography Performed on the Same Day

Purpose: We wished to compare the ability of ultrasonography and radiography performed on the same day to detect rib fractures in minor chest injuries. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifteen patients with minor chest injuries were selected. Radiography and ultrasonography were performed on the same day with these patients. Chest wall pain was the only presenting symptom. Two radiologists performed ultrasonography. Fractures were identified by a disruption of the anterior margin of the rib and costal cartilage. The incidence and location of fractures and complications revealed by radiography and ultrasonography were compared. Results: Radiographs revealed the presence of 70 rib fractures in 50 (23%) of 215 patients and ultrasonography revealed the presence of 203 rib fractures in 133 (62%) of 215 patients. Ultrasonography uniquely identified 133 rib fractures in 83 patients. Ultrasonography identified a 2.9 fold increase in the number of fractures in a 2.6 fold number of subjects as compared to radiography. Of the 203 sonographically detected fractures, 201 were located in the rib, one was located at the costochondral junction, and one in the costal cartilage. There were no complications seen by either radiography or ultrasonography. Conclusion: Ultrasonography reveals more fractures than those that may be overlooked on radiography for minor chest injuries.

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF FOLLOW-UP SKELETAL SURVEYS IN SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CASES.

The skeletal survey is an important imaging technique used in the evaluation of suspected child abuse. It is particularly helpful in the identification of fractures that are not clinically apparent in infants and young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends skeletal survey in cases of suspected child abuse for children less than 2 years of age. The AAP further recommends that the skeletal survey be repeated 2 weeks after the initial skeletal survey in cases in which child abuse is strongly suspected. The follow-up skeletal survey allows for identification of fractures that may have had too subtle a radiographic presentation to be seen when imaged acutely. Objective The purpose of this study was to further clarify and assess the additional information gained from a repeat skeletal survey in identifying and characterizing skeletal injury for cases in which child abuse was strongly suspected. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 27 infants and toddlers suspected of being physically abused had a recommended initial skeletal survey and underwent a follow-up examination approximately 2 weeks after the initial examination. The Child Protection Medical Team evaluated all children suspected of possible physical abuse. Nonaccidental trauma was determined by the Child Protection Medical Team. The medical records and radiologic reports of the 27 children with follow-up skeletal surveys were reviewed over a 3-year period. The number and location of the fractures were identified for the initial skeletal survey and for the follow-up skeletal survey in each case. Results The follow-up skeletal survey yielded additional information regarding skeletal injury in 7 (29%) of 24 cases. A different pediatric radiologist evaluated the initial and subsequent repeated study in 19 of the 24 cases. In all but one of these cases, at least one fracture was visible on the initial study. Follow-up study increased the number of definite fractures detected from 72 to 82 (14%). These additional injuries were either rib fractures (30%) or long bone injuries (70%). The majority of the long bone injuries were classic metaphyseal lesions (5/7, 71%). Conclusion A follow-up skeletal survey identified additional fractures or added additional information for findings in children who were suspected victims of physical abuse. It is recommended that a repeat skeletal survey 2 weeks after the initial skeletal survey be conducted for concerning cases of suspected child abuse. The addition of oblique views of the ribs may also enhance detection of occult rib fractures.

Does cardiopulmonary resuscitation cause rib fractures in children? A systematic review

Background There is a diagnostic dilemma when a child presents with rib fractures after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) where child abuse is suspected as the cause of collapse. We have performed a systematic review to establish the evidence base for the following questions: (i) Does cardiopulmonary resuscitation cause rib fractures in children? (ii) If so, what are the frequency and characteristics of these fractures that may help to distinguish them from rib fractures caused by physical abuse? Methods We performed a literature search of original articles, references, textbooks, and conference abstracts, published in any language from 1950 to 1 October 2005. Articles were identified from ASSIA, Caredata, Medline, Ovid Medline in Process, ChildData, CINAHL, Embase, ISI Proceedings, SIGLE, Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, and TRIP databases. We included all studies that addressed rib fractures and CPR in children less than 18 years, and excluded review articles, expert opinion, consensus guidelines, and studies that were significantly methodologically flawed on critical appraisal. Each study underwent two independent reviews (with a third review if there was disagreement). Each reviewer used standardized criteria for study definition, data extraction, and critical appraisal, to determine the quality of the study and to establish if it met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. Findings Of the 427 studies reviewed, 6 were included: 1 case control, 4 cross-sectional, and 1 case series. These represent data on 923 children who underwent CPR. Three children sustained rib fractures as a result of resuscitation; all three of these had fractures that were anterior (two mid-clavicular and one costo-chondral). We did not find any child in the literature who had a posterior rib fracture due to CPR. Resuscitation was performed variably by both medical and non-medical personnel. Conclusion Rib fractures after cardiopulmonary resuscitation are rare. When they do occur, they are anterior and may be multiple. As the studies performed to date did not use the most sensitive techniques for detecting rib fractures, further prospective studies of children would be valuable to provide additional clarification on this question.

2208: Effectiveness of chest wall sonography in detecting rib fractures

2208: Effectiveness of chest wall sonography in detecting rib fractures

Comparison of Computed Tomography and Chest Radiography in the Detection of Rib Fractures in Abused Infants

Comparison of Computed Tomography and Chest Radiography in the Detection of Rib Fractures in Abused Infants

Comparison of Computed Tomography and Chest Radiography in the Detection of Rib Fractures in Abused Infants

Comparison of Computed Tomography and Chest Radiography in the Detection of Rib Fractures in Abused Infants