Delayed pleural effusion (DPF) is an understudied complication of rib fracture in elderly patients and often not treated unless symptomatic. So far, the consequences of DPF in elderly are not discussed in detail in the literature. This article outlines the clinical findings of a study investigating characteristics of rib fracture DPF, associated outcomes and implication for management in geriatric patients. Several clinical studies have reported increased morbidity and mortality in the elderly compared to younger patients irrespective of injury patterns.
In chest trauma, age is a significant predictor of increased morbidity and mortality. Rib fractures are very common in the geriatric population but are often considered as minor injuries. Moreover, the relationship between rib fractures and DPF remains poorly understood. Methods: The study was conducted on patients with rib fractures…
