DIFFERENCES OF RIB FRACTURES IN BLUNT TRAUMA PATIENTS ACCORDING TO AGE AND GENDER: A COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY STUDY.

Objective To investigate the difference between rib fractures according to age and sex in blunt trauma patients. Material and Method The patients were classified into 3 age groups: Group-1:18-44 years, Group-2:45-69 years, and Group-3:70 years or more. Rib fractures were classified into 3 groups based on their level on the coronal plane (upper (1st-4th ribs), medium (5th-8th ribs) and lower (9th-12th ribs)) and axial plane (anterior, lateral and posterior). Results Rib fractures were found to be more common in male (69%) to female (53%) (p=0.002). The incidence of fractures was seen to increase with age (p=0.001; r=615). Rib fractures were most commonly found in the middle ribs (5th-8th ribs) in all-age-groups. The incidence of fractures in the upper ribs was significantly lower in the advanced age than the other age groups (p=0.002). Fractures were least commonly found in the anterior part of the rib in all age groups. Rib fractures were observed at a higher rate in the lateral part in young adults unlike the other age groups (p=0.001). A significant difference was found between the age groups in favor of young adults (group 1) in terms of the presence of parenchymal contusion without rib fracture (p=0.014). Conclusion Rib fracture was seen at a higher rate in male than female in blunt thoracic trauma patients. Fractures possibility of in the upper rib structures is lower in the advanced age group. Unlike other groups, in young people, a higher rate of fractures was detected in the lateral part of the costa. One should be aware of the possibility of parenchymal contusion without a rib fracture in the young age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]