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Morbidity Implication of First and Second Rib Fracture in 120 Patients

James M. Wilson, MD; Arthur N. Thomas, MD; Phillip C. Goodman, MD; Frank R. Lewis, MD

Arch Surg. 1978;113(7):846-849.

Abstract
• Patients who sustain fracture of either the first or second rib have severe injuries usually involving multiple systems. In comparing 71 patients with first rib fractures and 49 patients with second rib fractures, we found morbidity and mortality to be similar. A multidisciplinary approach to management of these patients is described and vigorous diagnostic and therapeutic measures are warranted to promptly determine the extent of injury and minimize the frequency of missed diagnosis.

(Arch Surg 113:846-849, 1978)

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Surgery (Drs Wilson, Thomas, and Lewis) and Radiology (Dr Goodman), University of California at San Francisco General Hospital.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication March 2, 1978.

Read before the 85th annual meeting of the Western Surgical Association, Las Vegas, Nov 14, 1977.

Reprint requests to Department of Surgery, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Dr Thomas).