Isolated First Rib Fracture: Clinical Significance after Blunt Chest Trauma

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Abstract

Isolated first rib fractures should be distinguished from first rib fractures involving other ribs. The mechanism of isolated first rib fracture is often trauma to the upper torso, and multisystem injuries are less frequent. Vascular injuries are rare; hence, arteriograms should be obtained for specific indications. In patients who have an isolated first rib fracture, the clinical focus should be on possible associated maxillofacial and neurological injuries, which are the major causes of morbidity and death.

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  • Cited by (32)

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    Presented at the Seventeenth Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Jan 26-28, 1981, Los Angeles, CA.

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