Presentation
Blunt trauma to the chest.
Patient Data
Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Rib fractures
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Multiple acute displaced fractures of the left sixth to eighth ribs posterolaterally.
From the case:
Rib fractures
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Multiple displaced left rib fractures (arrows).
Case Discussion
Rib fractures are usually multiple and usually occur at the midlateral chest wall.
Complications:
- flail chest occurs when two fractures involve two or three contiguous ribs
- pneumothorax or hemothorax
- pulmonary contusion or laceration
- thoracic aortic injury in first or second rib fractures
- liver or splenic injuries in lower rib fractures