Rib Stabilization Algorithm
Criteria and workflow for surgical rib fixation consultation.
Updated: Current
Rib fracturesFlail chestRib fixationVent weaningā ļø Rib fixation referral workflow ā not a full rib management protocol.
ā¹ļø
Email Drs. Mendoza, Gutierrez, Balan, Mascharak, Beattie within 24h of admission if criteria below are met.
ā
Criteria (BOTH required)
ā¼1. ICU admission for rib fractures (vented or non-vented) AND
2. Any ONE of:
- 3+ ipsilateral consecutive ribs fractured in 2 locations (radiographic flail)
- Clinical paradoxical chest wall motion
- 3+ ipsilateral rib fractures with 100% displacement on axial CT
- 3+ displaced ribs (ā„50% width) with ā„2 pulmonary derangements: RR ā„20, IS <50% predicted, pain >5/10, poor cough
ā¹ļø
OR: Inability to wean from ventilator when rib pathology is plausible mechanism.
Email: Mendoza, Gutierrez, Balan, Mascharak, Beattie
Subject: Rib Stabilization Consult
Pt age: [XX] | ICU for rib fractures: YES
Criteria met: [specify]
Comorbidities: [shock / TBI / spine / cardiac / other]
3D CT chest reconstruction: [obtained/pending]
- Status
- AHS Official Protocol
- Source
- sites.google.com/view/hghtrauma/rib-stabilization-algorithm
- Last reviewed / updated
- Current