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Background : Publications investigating the efficacy of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) have increased exponentially. However, there is currently no standardized reporting structure for these studies, rendering both comparisons and extrapolation problematic. Methods : A subject matter expert group was formed by the Chest Wall Injury Society. This group conducted a review of the SSRF investigational literature and identified variable reporting within several general categories of relevant parameters. A compliment of guidelines was then generated. Results : The reporting guidelines consist of 26 recommendations in the categories of: (1) study type, (2) patient and injury characteristics, (3) patient treatments, (4) outcomes, and (5) statistical considerations. Conclusion : Our review identified inconsistencies in reporting within the investigational SSRF literature. In response to these inconsistencies, we propose a set of recommendations to standardize reporting of original investigations into the efficacy of SSRF.

Introduction Guidelines surrounding abdominal seat belt sign (SBS) were made prior to the use of modern computed tomography (CT) imaging. We sought to prospectively determine whether a negative CT scan is associated with the absence of hollow viscus injury (HVI), and we hypothesized that trauma patients with an abdominal SBS without CT imaging findings would not have a hollow viscus injury (HVI). Methods A prospective cohort of patients with SBS was compiled over one year. Subjects were divided into those with and without HVI. Covariate distributions were summarized by group. Bivariate tests and logistic regression were used to investigate associations between covariates and HVI. Results Of 220 patients with SBS, the incidence of HVI was 7% (n = 15). Radiographic findings were strongly associated with HVI and no patients with a negative CT scan had HVI. Free fluid was seen in 80% (12) of patients with HVI, whereas it was found in only 11% (23) without injury. A composite variable for negative CT scan was found to be associated with the absence of HVI: (Fisher's exact 1-tailed p, doubled = 0.014). Conclusion In this study, the incidence of HVI with SBS is lower than previously reported, and no patients with negative CT imaging required an operation for HVI—suggesting there is a population of patients with SBS who could be discharged from the emergency room. A prospective multicenter study is needed to confirm these findings.