Outcomes of anterior versus posterior rib fractures and surgical treatment: analysis of 249 patients.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, rib fracture severity has been quantified by fracture count and radiographic displacement. However, emerging evidence indicates that the outcomes following rib fractures widely vary and are not fully explained by injury burden alone. Whether anterior and posterior fracture locations lead to distinct recovery patterns remains unclear.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal cohort study involving patients with traumatic rib fractures was conducted. Fractures were classified as anterior or posterior based on radiographic location. Pain intensity and functional status were serially evaluated for up to 3 months. Multivariable analyses were conducted with adjustment for age, body mass index, injury severity score, fracture number, displacement severity, associated injuries, and surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF).

RESULTS

Fracture displacement severity and the number of fracture ribs independently predicted higher pain intensity. After adjustment, anterior and posterior fractures exhibited comparable pain trajectories over time. However, posterior fractures were linked to greater functional status improvement from 1 to 3 months. Surgical stabilization might be associated with greater early pain reduction and higher early functional scores but did not alter the long-term recovery slope. Early health status on day 14 strongly predicted 3-month outcomes, independent of baseline injury severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of fracture ribs and displacement severity appear to reflect injury intensity, whereas fracture location may influence physiologic consequences. Posterior fractures show similar pain levels to anterior fractures but somewhat greater functional recovery.