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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*
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.

Type
Case Report • Observations
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2000

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