Research Information System
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH, vol.310, pp.8-16, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Introduction: This study aimed to determine whether the primary cause of morbidity and
mortality in patients undergoing rib stabilization surgery due to blunt trauma-induced rib
fractures is pulmonary contusion or associated extrathoracic trauma.
Methods: Patients aged 18-80 y diagnosed with flail chest following blunt trauma and un-
dergoing rib stabilization surgery between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2024, were
included. Collected data encompassed demographics, trauma type, associated injuries,
surgery timing, mechanical ventilation, extubation time, intensive care unit stay, and
morbidity/mortality outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences 22.0, with a significance level of P < 0.05.
Results: Among 110 patients, the mean age was 55.6 13.9 y, with 80.9% being male. Early
stabilization (<72 h) was performed in 77.3%, and late stabilization (>72 h) in 22.7%. Pro-
longed intensive care unit stays (>2 d) were observed in 52.7%, with an average hospital
stay of 14.63 20.17 d. Pneumonia (31.8%) was the most common morbidity, and the
mortality rate was 14.5%. Pulmonary contusion (P¼ 0.021) and vertebral injury (P¼ 0.007)
were significantly associated with pneumonia. Abdominal trauma increased tracheostomy
rates (P¼ 0.038), and maxillofacial trauma was associated with mortality (P¼ 0.030).
Conclusions: Timely rib stabilization and a multidisciplinary approach are critical for
managing thoracic injuries. Trauma severity and associated injuries significantly influence
outcomes. Standardized protocols for intervention timing and patient selection may help
reduce morbidity and mortality in multitrauma patients.