Fracture in number of ribs independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism, finds study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to a condition characterized by abnormal coagulation of blood within the veins, leading to impaired venous flow. Venous thromboembolism represents a potentially life-threatening complication following trauma, including both types of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Investigating the incidence of VTE and associated risk factors in patients with traumatic rib fractures can effectively aid in the early clinical diagnosis and improve diagnostic efficiency for this condition. This study aimed to determine the incidence and influencing factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with traumatic rib fractures. The retrospective study analyzed medical records of patients with traumatic rib fractures from 33 hospitals.

Results: The overall incidence of Venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with traumatic rib fractures was 8.1%. Patients with isolated traumatic rib fractures had a significantly lower incidence of Venous thromboembolism (4.4%) compared to patients with rib fractures combined with other injuries (12.0%). Multivariate analysis identified the number of rib fractures as an independent risk factor for thrombosis. Surgical stabilization of isolated rib fractures involving three or more ribs was associated with a lower Venous thromboembolism incidence compared to conservative treatment. Patients with rib fractures have a higher incidence of Venous thromboembolism, positively correlated with the number of rib fractures. However, the occurrence of thrombosis is relatively low in isolated rib fractures. Targeted thromboprophylaxis strategies should be implemented for these patients, and surgical stabilization of rib fractures may be beneficial in reducing the risk of Venous thromboembolism.

Reference:

Zhang, D., Yang, Y., Yi, Y. et al. Incidence and influence factors of venous thromboembolism in traumatic rib fracture patient: a multicenter study. J Orthop Surg Res 19, 152 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04622-1