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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 01-06-2021 | Thoracic Trauma | Review Article

Epidemiology of combined clavicle and rib fractures: a systematic review

Authors: Arthur A. R. Sweet, Reinier B. Beks, Frank F. A. IJpma, Mirjam B. de Jong, Frank J. P. Beeres, Luke P. H. Leenen, Roderick M. Houwert, Mark C. P. M. van Baal

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 5/2022

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the incidence of combined clavicle and rib fractures and the association between these two injuries.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases on the 14^th of August 2020. Outcome measures were incidence, hospital length of stay (HLOS), intensive care unit admission and length of stay (ILOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), mortality, chest tube duration, Constant–Murley score, union and complications.

Results

Seven studies with a total of 71,572 patients were included, comprising five studies on epidemiology and two studies on treatment. Among blunt chest trauma patients, 18.6% had concomitant clavicle and rib fractures. The incidence of rib fractures in polytrauma patients with clavicle fractures was 56–60.6% versus 29% in patients without clavicle fractures. Vice versa, 14–18.8% of patients with multiple rib fractures had concomitant clavicle fractures compared to 7.1% in patients without multiple rib fractures. One study reported no complications after fixation of both injuries. Another study on treatment, reported shorter ILOS and less complications among operatively versus conservatively treated patients (5.4 ± 1.5 versus 21 ± 13.6 days).

Conclusion

Clavicle fractures and rib fractures are closely related in polytrauma patients and almost a fifth of all blunt chest trauma patients sustain both injuries. Definitive conclusions could not be drawn on treatment of the combined injury. Future research should further investigate indications and benefits of operative treatment of this injury.

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Title: Epidemiology of combined clavicle and rib fractures: a systematic review
Authors: Arthur A. R. Sweet
Reinier B. Beks
Frank F. A. IJpma
Mirjam B. de Jong
Frank J. P. Beeres
Luke P. H. Leenen
Roderick M. Houwert
Mark C. P. M. van Baal
Publication date: 01-06-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Thoracic Trauma
Polytrauma
Clavicle Fracture
Rib Fracture
Thoracic Trauma
Polytrauma
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 5/2022
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-021-01701-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Epidemiology of combined clavicle and rib fractures: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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