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Rib fractures following minor trauma in older patients: a not-so-benign injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Sam G. Campbell  and
Margaret A. Dingle
Sam G. Campbell*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, New Halifax Infirmary, HalifaxNS
Margaret A. Dingle
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, New Halifax Infirmary, HalifaxNS
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, New Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St., Halifax NS B3H 3A7; EMSGC@qe2-hsc.ns.ca

Abstract

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Two older adults presented to the emergency department with rib fractures following minor trauma. Both were discharged on oral analgesics and died within 2 days. Rib fractures more often lead to adverse outcomes in older adults. Emergency physicians should consider admitting any such patient who presents with two or more rib fractures.

Keywords

minor traumarib fracturesolder adultsgeriatriccomplications
Type
Case Report • Observations
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 2 , Issue 1 , January 2000 , pp. 32 - 34
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2000

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