Table 6.
Results of individual reviews that report a narrative synthesis for multiple rib fractures
| Study details | Included studies | Outcomes assessed | Narrative synthesis |
|
Author
de Jong et al 23 Year 2014 Country The Netherlands |
RCT=0 Non-randomised=1 Nirula (60) Case series=2 Campbell (32) Mayberry (46, 15 non-flail) Total number of patients=138 Intervention group=108 Control group=30 |
|
Only Nirula et al 33 concluded that rib fracture fixation showed a trend toward fewer total ventilator days. Mayberry et al 41 investigated the quality of life after rib fixation, and they concluded that there was low long-term morbidity and pain. Campbell et al 40 demonstrated low levels of pain and satisfactory rehabilitation. |
|
Author
Girsowicz et al 14 Year 2012 Country France |
Non-systematic review=1 Nirula and Mayberry Case Comparator=1 Nirula (30,30) Case Series=4 Mayberry (46) Richardson (7) Barajas (22) Campbell (32) Case report=3 Gasparri (1) Cacchione (1) Kerr-Valentic (1) Total number of patients=169 Intervention group=139 Control group=30 |
|
In general, of the nine studies presented, all indicated that surgical stabilisation in the management of isolated multiple non-flail and painful rib fractures improved outcomes. Indeed, the interest and benefit was shown not only in terms of pain and respiratory function but also in improved quality of life and reduced socio-professional disability. Hence, the current evidence shows surgical stabilisation to be safe and effective in alleviating post-operative pain and improving patient recovery, thus enhancing the outcome of the procedure. However, retrieved studies provided a low level of evidence (small studies with few numbers of patients and short-term follow-up or case reports). Large prospective controlled trials are thus necessary to confirm these encouraging results. |
IMV, invasive mechanical ventilation; LOS, length of stay; RCT, randomised controlled trial.