Abstract
Rib fractures are the most common type of chest trauma in geriatric patients. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of management is adequate pain control. The most common parenchymal lung injury is pulmonary contusion associated with rib fracture. The management is mostly conservative with pulmonary toilet, respiratory support, and judicious fluid resuscitation. Traumatic pneumothorax and hemothorax are managed similarly as in other patients. Delayed hemothorax can be a major problem in geriatric patients requiring a vigilant follow-up system for patients on anticoagulation. Isolated sternal fractures by themselves are not usually associated with major complications, and penetrating chest trauma is treated as in other adult patients.
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Hwabejire, J.O., Proaño-Zamudio, J.A., Velmahos, G.C. (2023). Pulmonary Injury. In: Petrone, P., Brathwaite, C.E. (eds) Acute Care Surgery in Geriatric Patients. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30651-8_31
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30651-8_31
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