Predictive Factors for Onset of Moderate-to-Severe Disability Following Hospital Discharge Due to Rib Fractures.

BACKGROUND

According to previous studies, a prolonged hospital stay, along with the patient's clinical features, can lead to the onset of disability.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify predictive factors of moderate-to-severe disability following hospital discharge in rib fracture patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study with hospitalized adult patients with rib fractures who received conservative treatment. Patients' clinical profiles and characteristics were collected from their clinical histories and healthcare professional records.

RESULTS

Overall, patients exhibited a 44% rate of moderate-to-severe disability after a six-day hospital stay. The incidence of patients with a prolonged hospital stay who showed disabilities was associated with male sex (HR 0.73, p < 0.001), presence of first rib fracture (HR 1.78, p = 0.047), presence of flail chest (HR 1.29, p = 0.046), severity of lung injury (HR 1.65, p < 0.001), and functional status (HR 1.37, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-to-severe disability in patients with rib fractures may depend on factors such as sex, functionality, severity of lung injury, and presence of first rib fracture and flail chest during a prolonged hospital stay.