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Mahdi Rezai 
, Ali Zarei , Nader Tavakoli , Aidin Mohammad valipour , Peyman Hafezimoghadam , Mohammadreza Yasinzadeh , Alireza Javan *
, Ali Zarei , Nader Tavakoli , Aidin Mohammad valipour , Peyman Hafezimoghadam , Mohammadreza Yasinzadeh , Alireza Javan *
Emergency Medicine Management Research Center,Health Management Research Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (63 Views)
Introduction: Rib fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in emergency medicine, particularly when associated with thoracic trauma. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes, complication rates, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with rib fractures presenting to emergency departments in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 at Hazrat Rasool and Shohada 7th Tir Hospitals, Tehran, Iran. A total of 200 patients with confirmed rib fractures were enrolled. Demographic data, injury mechanisms, clinical treatments, and complications were collected from medical records. QOL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) questionnaire at baseline and three-month follow-up. Recovery duration was defined as time to return to normal daily activities as reported by patients during follow-up visits or telephone interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) and Pearson correlation analysis (significance level: P<0.05).
Results: Of 200 patients enrolled, 87.9% were male with mean age 51.7±16.8 years. Motor vehicle accidents (63.0%) and falls from height (22.5%) were the most common injury mechanisms. Mean number of fractured ribs was 2.45±0.80. Surgical stabilization was used in 23.5% of cases and physiotherapy in 58.0% (n=193). Pneumothorax (49.0%), hemothorax (34.0%), and pneumonia (11.0%) were the most frequent complications. In-hospital mortality was 3.5% overall and 7.4% in patients over 65 years. Recovery duration data were available for 21 patients, averaging 3.2±2.3 months. Pearson correlation analysis revealed moderate negative correlations between age and QOL (r=-0.40, P<0.001) and between the number of fractured ribs and QOL (r=-0.50, P<0.001). The presence of complications and prolonged recovery duration were strongly negatively correlated with QOL (r=-0.60 for each, P<0.001).
Conclusions: Rib fractures are associated with significant short-term and long-term morbidity, particularly in elderly patients and those sustaining multiple fractures. The strong negative associations between injury severity (number of ribs, complications) and QOL emphasize the need for aggressive pain management and rehabilitation strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
Key words: Complications, Emergency department, Quality of life (QOL), Rib fractures, Thoracic trauma
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 at Hazrat Rasool and Shohada 7th Tir Hospitals, Tehran, Iran. A total of 200 patients with confirmed rib fractures were enrolled. Demographic data, injury mechanisms, clinical treatments, and complications were collected from medical records. QOL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) questionnaire at baseline and three-month follow-up. Recovery duration was defined as time to return to normal daily activities as reported by patients during follow-up visits or telephone interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) and Pearson correlation analysis (significance level: P<0.05).
Results: Of 200 patients enrolled, 87.9% were male with mean age 51.7±16.8 years. Motor vehicle accidents (63.0%) and falls from height (22.5%) were the most common injury mechanisms. Mean number of fractured ribs was 2.45±0.80. Surgical stabilization was used in 23.5% of cases and physiotherapy in 58.0% (n=193). Pneumothorax (49.0%), hemothorax (34.0%), and pneumonia (11.0%) were the most frequent complications. In-hospital mortality was 3.5% overall and 7.4% in patients over 65 years. Recovery duration data were available for 21 patients, averaging 3.2±2.3 months. Pearson correlation analysis revealed moderate negative correlations between age and QOL (r=-0.40, P<0.001) and between the number of fractured ribs and QOL (r=-0.50, P<0.001). The presence of complications and prolonged recovery duration were strongly negatively correlated with QOL (r=-0.60 for each, P<0.001).
Conclusions: Rib fractures are associated with significant short-term and long-term morbidity, particularly in elderly patients and those sustaining multiple fractures. The strong negative associations between injury severity (number of ribs, complications) and QOL emphasize the need for aggressive pain management and rehabilitation strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
Key words: Complications, Emergency department, Quality of life (QOL), Rib fractures, Thoracic trauma
Keywords: Complications, Emergency department, Quality of life (QOL), Rib fractures, Thoracic trauma
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Emergency Medicine
Received: 2025/12/13 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/05/12
Received: 2025/12/13 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/05/12
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