Do we have to redefine type B-fractures of the rib cartilage?

Groh J, Kern F, Perl M, Schulz-Drost S (2024)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Springer Verlag (Germany)

Abstract

Objectives: Aim of this work was the evaluation and validation of the AO/OTA classification of the anterior chest wall, here especially for the rib cartilage. Methods: Study design was a retrospective analysis of patients who were hospitalized with fractures of the thoracic wall in the years 2010–2016. This resulted in a collective of n = 124 patients. All fractures of the anterior chest wall were classified according to their location, dislocation and fracture type according to the AO classification. An analysis of possible subtypes was carried out. Results: 29.0% (36) of the patients had fractures of the rib cartilage. 23 of the 36 (64%) patients had multiple fractures, the total number of single fractures amounted to 94. 53.2% (50) of these fractures were in the right hemithorax, 46.8% (44) in the left hemithorax. 95.7% (90) of the fractures were A-fractures, 4.3% (4) were C-fractures. There were no B fractures. The C fractures also consisted exclusively of A fractures (AA fractures). 59.6% (56) of the fractures showed a dislocation. 30.9% (29) were avulsion fractures of either the osteochondral (22.3% (21)) or the sternocostal junction (8.5% (8)). Discussion and conclusion: The costal cartilage obviously does not show typical B fractures as we know them from shaft fractures of long bones. We have compiled a structured analysis in the attached manuscript and validated the classification proposal. In conclusion, we propose an adaptation of the classification proposal based on our data with redefining type B fractures as fractures of the osteochondral joints.

Authors with CRIS profile

Johannes Groh Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Florian Kern Department of Anaesthesiology Mario Perl Lehrstuhl für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie Stefan Schulz-Drost Lehrstuhl für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie

How to cite

APA:

Groh, J., Kern, F., Perl, M., & Schulz-Drost, S. (2024). Do we have to redefine type B-fractures of the rib cartilage? European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-024-02631-7

MLA:

Groh, Johannes, et al. "Do we have to redefine type B-fractures of the rib cartilage?" European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (2024).

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