Surgery
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Comparative Study
Surgical stabilization of traumatic rib fractures is associated with reduced readmissions and increased survival.
Surgical stabilization for rib fractures (SSRF) in trauma patients remains controversial, with guidelines currently suggesting the procedure for only select patient groups. How surgical stabilization for rib fractures affect hospital readmission in patients with traumatic rib fractures is unknown. We hypothesized that surgical stabilization for rib fractures would not decrease the risk of readmission. ⋯ Surgical stabilization for rib fractures is associated with reduced readmission risk while also being associated with improved survival. Patients who had a thoracotomy for retained hemothorax appear to especially benefit from concomitant surgical stabilization for rib fractures.